When Michigan football received funding for its historic NIL deal with 2025 No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood, the implication was that the quarterback position would be an undeniable priority on this team. The Wolverines have refrained from changing their identity, however. Kyle Whittingham is a defensive-minded head coach and does not jump out as the most logical choice to oversee Underwood's development. He is a Utah legend and deserves copious respect, but his arrival did not align with the financial commitment that is being awarded to the QB. There has been a disconnect, and it has led to an unfortunate development.

The 19-year-old was benched in Saturday's 21-18 win versus Penn State and could now lose his starting job moving forward. Whittingham already has a strategy in mind for Saturday's huge face-off with Indiana, but he is not willing to divulge.

“We know exactly what we're doing and the plan going forward,” the two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year said, per ESPN's Jake Trotter. “We're not going to tip our hand to the opponent. But we have a good plan in place.”

Underwood was just 5-of-11 passing for 43 yards and two interceptions, leaving Whittingham little choice but to make a change. Freshman Tommy Carr completed 5-of-7 passes for 47 yards while rushing for 36 yards and a touchdown. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti assumes the latter will start again, but he is prepared to see both QBs in Ann Arbor.

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Even at home, Michigan football can use any competitive edge it can get over the reigning national champions. Though, if Bryce Underwood is indeed left on the sidelines, fans will lambaste the program for how badly they misread and mishandled this talent, Heck, they already are.

Kyle Whittingham has a job to do. He cannot keep a player on the field strictly because of cost and potential. This imperfect match between Underwood and the Wolverines is yielding disastrous results thus far. A triumphant performance against the Hoosiers would re-open the book of Bryce in Ann Arbor, but it remains to be seen if he will get such an opportunity.