Another prominent Michigan football member received criticism for comments about the team's prestigious rivalry with Ohio State.
Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham faced some blowback for stopping short of saying he hates the Buckeyes. Bryce Underwood also isn't entering the 2026 season with a singular focus on winning "The Game."
In Underwood's first taste of the Big Ten matchup, Michigan suffered a 27-9 defeat to Ohio State at home. Underwood wouldn't overblow the outcome when reflecting on the loss with NBC Sports announcer John Fanta.
"A loss. That's all it is," Underwood told Fanta. "My goal is to be 1-0 every day. Saturdays, I want to be 1-0. Sundays, I want to be 1-0. Mondays, I want to be 1-0. So, that's what drives me."
Underwood delivered an interesting response when Fanta asked how playing Ohio State compared to any other game he's experienced.
"It's just another game, just with guys in a different color," Underwood said. "That's how I see it."
Fans react to Underwood's quote
Underwood's comments unsurprisingly didn't go over well on social media. Fans want to see more intensity from Michigan when discussing the Ohio State rivalry.
"I would just stop talking at this point," On3's David Cone advised.
"This kind of energy doesn't seem like winning energy," a fan theorized.
"This is how you know that university had gone soft!" an Ohio State fan claimed. "Their coach doesn’t have hate for us and their QB is just acting like it’s a normal game as if we didn’t beat the breaks off them last year! No Buckeye would ever act like this!"
"They don't get it," a fan said.
"This is the type of quote by Bryce Underwood that will be forgotten about if Michigan wins the game," a fan suggested. "Also the type of quote that will live forever if Michigan loses. Legacy on the line for 19.
Will Underwood fare better against Ohio State?
© Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
While Underwood may think Ohio State is just another game, he'll certainly hope this year's matchup is a better one.
Underwood struggled in his inititation to The Game, completing just eight of 18 passes for a season-low 63 passing yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. The Wolverines converted one third-down attempt and didn't score in the second half at Ann Arbor.
Before Michigan can seek vengeance on Nov. 28, Underwood could restore more meaning to the matchup by steering the Wolverines back into College Football Playoff contention in his sophomore season.
