ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore provided updates on player health, team strategy, and recent performances in a detailed interview.
Moore said running back Rod Moore is still working through a knee issue.
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“He does some things in practice, some movement stuff, but it’s not all the way there,” said Sherrone. “We’ll just see how he’s going this week.”
Justice Haynes/Jordan Marshall
On the running backs, Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, Sherrone compared their styles.
“Jordan’s more of that thumper guy who moves the pile, while Justice is the one-cut back who can bounce outside for big plays,” Sherrone said. Both have shown explosive playability and success this season.
Play calling
Regarding play calling, Sherrone said, “I help out, but Chip’s (Chip Lindsey) calling the plays. The offensive staff has done an unbelievable job, especially coach Newsome (Grant Newsome) with game planning."
College betting on pro sports
On the new rule allowing college athletes to bet on pro sports, Sherrone said he hasn’t discussed it with the team yet.
“I want them to be completely focused on Purdue. I might address it next week,” Sherrone said.
Sherrone analyzed the passing game struggles from a recent game.
Passing game
“There were some protection and coverage issues, but also some successful passes. The game flow made it hard to throw at times, but we did what we needed to win,” Sherrone said.
Sherrone praised quarterback Bryce Underwood‘s performance, noting that rushing for over 200 yards in a Big Ten game is impressive.
“They played at a high level, with plenty to fix, but it was great to see,” Sherrone said.
Jimmy Rolder
Sherrone shared his thoughts on Jimmy Rolder’s recent performances and growth.
He said his confidence in Rolder began in the spring and was rooted in Rolder’s health and consistent practice.
“It’s the confidence that he has in the system and how he’s practiced, how he’s played, and that affected it,” Sherrone said.
Sherrone also praised the coaching staff, especially defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary, for their work with Rolder.
“Coach BJ’s done an unbelievable job with that crew,” Sherrone said.
Watching game film confirmed Sherrone’s positive impressions from the field.
“He’s been unbelievable, and he keeps playing at a high level,” Sherrone said.
Offensive line
Sherrone highlighted the impact of offensive line players, especially the young starters.
"Blake (Frazier) played super well with an edge. Jake Guarnera and (Andrew) Sprag have also been solid and keep improving," Sherrone said.
Sherrone praised Giovanni EL-Hadi‘s leadership and maturity both on and off the field.
“Leading is hard because you have to confront people, even friends, and he’s grown a lot in that role,” Sherrone said.
Purdue insight
Sherrone discussed preparing for Purdue’s use of two quarterbacks ahead of their matchup under the lights on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, inside the Big House.
Moore said both quarterbacks have distinct strengths.
“Brown, the starter, is highly capable, can make throws, and is more athletic than you might think. He manipulates the pocket well and gets the ball to his playmakers,” Sherrone said.
Sherrone described the other quarterback, Singleton, as more of a running quarterback who can also throw. “We’ve got to have a plan for both of them.”
He noted that Michigan’s defense will apply lessons from recent opponents who used multiple quarterbacks.
“We have to disrupt them, make them uncomfortable, and keep them off rhythm,” Sherrone said.
Punt return
On punt returns, Sherrone emphasized the importance of communication and teamwork.
“It’s not just the returner; the whole unit has to be in sync,” Sherrone said.
Max Bredeson/Jalen Hoffman
Moore also spoke highly of players Max Bredeson and Jalen Hoffman.
“Max graded out at 97% on 39 snaps. He’s the prototypical leader and as violent a player as I’ve ever been around.”
Defense
Sherrone touched on the importance of discipline and teamwork on defense, noting improvements in tackling and run defense.
Military appreciation
Sherrone shared a personal story during military appreciation, honoring his retired master sergeant father and reflecting on the discipline instilled in him as a child.