‘No stress, just play ball’: Michigan football focused on staying grounded ahead of road game vs. Oklahoma

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 14-ranked Michigan Wolverines are coming off a balanced win after taking down the New Mexico Lobos 34-17 inside The Big House in Ann Arbor for their first victory of the 2025 season.

In Saturday’s (Aug. 30) victory, the Wolverines were led by running back Justice Haynes, who gave credit to God following his 159-yard, three-touchdown performance, which was a school record for a debuting tailback.

“First of all, all glory to God. I couldn’t do without the man upstairs,” said Haynes. “Couldn’t do it without this offensive line, the tight ends, the receivers, and Bryce obviously handed me the ball and also made plays in the air to keep the box light.”

Haynes also acknowledged the coaching staff.

“And then also coach Lindsay, but you know, it means a lot. But it’s just one step, and we got to keep changing, keep going,” Haynes said.

When asked if he knew Bryce Underwood could block, Haynes replied, “Did I know that Bryce could block? No, I knew he was a dog. So I expect nothing else. Bryce is a dog, and I really appreciated his block on that run.”

Haynes praised Underwood’s leadership on and off the field.

“Ever since he got here in January, Bryce has done a tremendous job of just winning over the team. He came in with all these accolades and all that, but he’s a humble kid, and you could tell he just put his head down and worked,” Haynes said.

“He led by his actions, not by talking. Now he has a voice, and he continues to keep using that voice. I’m so super proud of him. He’s very mature past his years,” Haynes said.

On his first touchdown run, Haynes said, “I just saw a hole open up well, and then saw green grass and ran to green grass. The offensive line did a great job out there.”

I asked Haynes about his historic day, breaking Michigan’s record for most rushing yards in a debut, and when he knew he was going to be named the starter, and if three touchdowns were the most he’s scored in his career on any level.

Haynes said, “TA (Tony Alford) came to me yesterday and told me I’d be going out there first. Jordan and I are 1A and 1B. We both can go out there and make plays. This is not the most rushing touchdowns I’ve had in my career.”

Haynes also described how Underwood uses his voice to uplift the team.

“We started off hot, then the offense kind of slowed down. On the sideline, Bryce was saying, ‘Hey, we good, we good, we going to be just fine.’ It’s great when your quarterback comes around the sideline saying you’re good,” Haynes said.

Haynes called receiver Channing Goodwin a “technician,” highlighting his consistency and hard work.

“You can always count on him. There’s not a day I’ve seen where Channing has had a bad day,” Haynes said.

Haynes said he expects this level of performance from himself every week.

“I put in a lot of work. I’m hard on myself. I’m going to watch the film and see what I could have done better,” Haynes said.

Haynes reflected on his 59-yard run, where he got tackled down at the one.

“I watched the replay and noticed I wasn’t in. We always talk about not reaching the ball.”

Bryce Underwood

Haynes gave Underwood a lot of praise in the victory over New Mexico, who, unbeknownst to him, also broke a program record for the most passing yards by a freshman starting quarterback in his debut.

Underwood finished the game with 251 yards passing, one touchdown, and no interceptions in his debut, which is the most among the four men on the prestigious list in which he joined on Saturday.

1. Rick Leach (1975),
2. Chad Henne (2004) and
3. Tate Forcier (2009)

Underwood also became the youngest quarterback to start under center at 18 years, 11 days in the program’s 146-year history.

Underwood described stepping into a leadership role as a freshman.

“At first, it was tough to be vocal because I felt too young. But time overcame, and I felt it was time to step up and use my voice,” Underwood said.

Underwood gave himself a “C++” grade for his performance, noting that there are many areas for improvement as a team.

Marlin Klein

Tight end Marlin Klein praised Underwood’s touchdown pass, saying, “I just had to run my route and catch the ball. He had to do a lot more.”

Klein also expressed excitement about the depth of the pass catchers on the team, as well as sharing the ball with Underwood, as the touchdown pass and reception were the first of both of their careers.

Klein finished with 93 yards and a touchdown.

Defense

Defensive back Brandyn Hillman categorized the defense’s performance as “smooth,” noting that there were a few areas to improve.

“It’s a screen team. The only way you can beat screens is by running to the ball. We got to run to the ball more. Tackling was pretty good. Overall, smooth game by the defense,” said Hillman.

Hillman discussed his interception and whether he considered knocking the ball down.

“Nobody said that, to be honest. Closer to the fourth quarter, our strength and conditioning coach asked if I thought about smacking the ball down. In that moment, no. I saw the ball in the air and just wanted to get it,” Hillman said.

When asked about a targeting play on Jaishawn Barham, Hillman said, “I think it was a clean hit. It’s football. It’s aggressive.”

Linebacker Cole Sullivan was praised for stepping up after Barham’s ejection.

“Cole really took it upon himself to push into that starter spot. He’s been putting in the work this offseason and seeing him make those plays today really showed what he’s been putting in,” Hillman said.

Hillman said the offense helped take pressure off the defense.

“The relationship between offense and defense really helped each other out. We don’t have to stress about anything. We can just play ball,” Hillman said.

Sherrone Moore

Head coach Sherrone Moore praised the linebackers and addressed the ejection incident, saying the group is elite and confident in their abilities.

The second-year head coach also praised Underwood’s first game, noting his poise and high standards for himself.

“He played really well, and he’s going to be critical of himself when he watches film,” said Moore.

Moore admitted he cringed a bit when Underwood made that physical block to free up Haynes for one of his three touchdowns, but appreciated his love for the game.

Moore said the team was prepared for unexpected situations, such as the ejection, and that the players simply focused on playing football.

Oklahoma Sooners matchup

Looking ahead to the next game against Oklahoma, Haynes said, “We’re going to watch the film, get back to work, break them down. It’s a hostile environment, a great challenge, and a great opportunity to prove who we are.”

Hillman added, “It’s a great team we’re about to face. No stress. Just football. Our defense is prepared. We have to ride together with a strong mindset.”

The Sooners’ matchup will be under the lights in Norman, Oklahoma, as the Wolverines will travel to the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Although it is a big game as both teams are expected to be ranked in the top 15 of the AP Poll, it will be the return of former offensive lineman, alumnus, and current head coach Moore for the first time in his head coaching career.

Moore, an offensive lineman from 2005-2006, helped the Sooners win two Big 12 championships and play in two BCS bowl games.

The matchup will be the first between the two schools since the 1976 Orange Bowl.