Whittingham Moves Michigan to RPOs as Underwood Emerges from Fall Camp

Coaches say Underwood’s mechanics have improved and that live-game contact on Sept. 5 will be the true test of those gains.

Overview

Media reports on Monday described a marked improvement in Bryce Underwood’s footwork, pocket placement and decisiveness during Michigan’s 13-practice fall camp.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham and new offensive coordinator Jason Beck have installed an RPO-heavy scheme that includes situational designed quarterback runs to use Underwood’s dual-threat skill set.
Beck has warned Underwood to avoid unnecessary hits, saying players should not try to run through tacklers and should prioritize smart decisions when extending plays.
Underwood enters the season with a freshman stat line of 2,428 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions plus 392 rushing yards and six rushing TDs, and he worked in the offseason with coach Jordan Palmer to refine quick-game mechanics.
Coaches and reporters stress that fall-camp praise must be validated under real-game contact in the Sept. 5 opener and that success will hinge on quick RPO timing and the offensive line’s ability to execute fast releases.