The Michigan Wolverines did not play like a top-25 team in their matchup against Oklahoma on Saturday. They were dominated throughout and fell 24-13. Much of the blame falls on the offense, which struggled to pass the ball despite adding five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Barstool Sports’ owner Dave Portnoy pointed to play-calling as a key issue as Michigan heads into Week 3 without head coach Sherrone Moore. Moore recently received an update on his suspension stemming from the sign-stealing scandal.
Dave Portnoy Criticizes ‘Bryce Underwood Strategy’ Amid Sherrone Moore’s Upcoming Suspension
Michigan’s passing offense struggled against Oklahoma. Underwood, the No. 1 player in the 2025 recruiting class, completed just 9 of 24 passes for 142 yards in the Wolverines’ loss.
While Underwood didn’t play his best, Portnoy, a Michigan alum and superfan, blamed the coaching staff. On “Wake Up Barstool,” he explained that the Wolverines didn’t allow Underwood to throw the ball downfield consistently.
“This pretty much sums up what happened in this game…” – @stoolpresidente https://t.co/Lbir5rv38F pic.twitter.com/Khyur13opU
— Wake Up Barstool (@wakeupbarstool) September 8, 2025
“This was bad,” Portnoy said. “This was bad on a million different levels. They got dominated on the line of scrimmage. It looked like last year when we didn’t have when we didn’t have a foward pass. They didn’t let the kid throw.”
Portnoy’s criticism holds weight, as Michigan’s offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey called the game “timid.” The team ran tight formations throughout, limiting Underwood’s ability to sit back and read the defense. They also failed to call many deep-shot plays, preventing the young quarterback from pushing the ball downfield.
While Portnoy’s criticism of the play-calling is fair, it’s clear that Underwood struggled when given opportunities to throw. He missed several open receivers, showed sloppy footwork and mechanics, and appeared uncomfortable throughout the game.
Adding to Michigan’s offensive struggles, the team now faces two weeks without head coach Moore. He has been suspended for the upcoming games against Central Michigan and Nebraska due to his involvement in the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal.
Read More: Connor Stalions Sends 4-Word Message on John Mateer as Michigan Faces Bryce Underwood Warning
According to MLive, in a recent NCAA Committee on Infractions update, Moore has been allowed to be with the team during this week’s practices. He will carry out his regular coaching duties while preparing for Central Michigan, but he will not be on the sideline for the game.
With Moore able to be with the team this week, he can address the Wolverines’ offensive struggles and work to correct them ahead of the Central Michigan matchup.
Michigan faces Central Michigan on Saturday, September 13, at 12:00 p.m. EST, with coverage on the Big Ten Network. Associate head coach Biff Poggi will serve as interim head coach while Moore is suspended.
