ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Semaj Morgan discussed the magnitude of their Week 2 matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners under the lights in Norman, in what is shaping up to be a battle between two college football blue bloods.
“Two big blue bloods of college football. So, you know, two historically great colleges, you know, going at it. So, I feel like it’s really big and, you know, as a team, we understand. We’re ready to go out there,” said Morgan.
Reflecting on his role compared to last year, Morgan said, “It’s just fun going out there playing under coach (Chip) Lindsey. He got some great ideas and, you know, I appreciate him giving me opportunities out there for sure."
Bryce Underwood’s first career target
Being quarterback Bryce Underwood’s first target in the 34-17 home victory against the New Mexico Lobos meant a lot to Morgan.
“It meant a lot to me. I feel like I’m really electric if I get the ball in my hands early. So, you know, I just feel like it was really big for me, just getting my confidence there early in the game and, you know, just getting that first hit so I can get the jitters up,” Morgan said.
Morgan emphasized the importance of timing and precision on short passes.
“It’s really important, you know, like just being able to catch the ball in stride and being able to keep running is really big. It’ll be harder to just stop me and then restart. Like him hitting me in stride is big for the play and for the block because the time is like they close in fast. So me just being able to keep my feet moving
Comparing this year’s offense to last year’s, Morgan said, “It’s only been one game. We couldn’t bring a whole lot out. We couldn’t just show everything. But our quarterback, he’s really vocal in the huddle.”
When asked about deep shots against New Mexico, Morgan said, “It could be sprinkled in, just like any other play. We’re a pro-style offense, so anything could go in there. Deep shots, short intermediate routes, anything.”
Speed
Morgan is excited to showcase his speed this season.
“I’m excited to show the world how I can run. Feel like I’m really fast. They are sleeping on me,” Morgan said.
Morgan also reflected on a punt return mishap.
“I just looked up when I flipped my head. I lost it again. When I lost it, it was just hard to find it again,” Morgan said.
Dual-threat
Morgan described Underwood as a dual-threat quarterback unafraid to run.
“A lot of quarterbacks are scared to run. He is not scared to run. So, I feel like, you know, just given his mindset and his athletic ability, he’s really athletic and he can run,” Morgan said.
Morgan praised Underwood’s competitive spirit and blocking ability.
“He did stuff like that at Belleville. You see it on his film. He’s the type of guy that’s going to do anything to win. He bounced it off and was in a perfect position to block. No second thought to him," Underwood said.
Morgan also shared thoughts on Underwood’s growth.
“The way he throws the ball is totally different from about four, four and a half years ago. He got a different type of zip on it. He was always very talented and took his craft very seriously, but now the zip on the ball is way crazier,” Morgan said.
Oklahoma defense
Looking at the Sooners’ defense, Morgan said, “I see a lot of great players out there. They had a really good defense last year, even though their record didn’t show it. I have a lot of respect for those guys and that coach.”
On catching punts in a tough away environment, Morgan said, “I’ve never been to Norman, so we’ll see on Saturday. I got to see.”
Channing Goodwin
Morgan described Channing Goodwin as “Steady Freddy,” a nickname given by head coach Sherrone Moore for always doing the right thing.
“Ever since I met Channing, he’s always prepared. He knew what he was doing. We never had no second thoughts about throwing to Channing in the game. I know coach Bell (Ron Bellamy) hasn’t, nor have any of our other coaches. So, I just commend him for working hard and getting the starting job this year because last year, I knew that type of player he was, preparation-wise. It’s good to go out there and get his opportunities.”
Goodwin acknowledged the nickname “Steady Freddy.”
“Yeah, it’s fine. I guess I haven’t really heard it that much, but yeah, it’s cool,” said Goodwin.
Practice to game execution
Morgan reflected on translating practice to game execution.
“It’s just the execution part. Last year, I feel like we lacked detail. Coach Bell always emphasizes detail. So, in practice during the week, we really focus on our details. When we get to the game, we know what to do. We’re always in the right spot at the right times,” Morgan said.
He noted the importance of detail with a young quarterback.
“You don’t really have room to mess up, so the details are 10 times more important this year because we do have a young quarterback,” Morgan said.
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.