I was in line at Cedar Point and skeptical.
Although a dozen or so years ago now, I remember it vividly. I was standing in line to ride Blue Streak and feeling a certain way about it. To that point I had never been on a rollercoaster and wasn’t particularly sure that I wanted to be on this one.
Everyone around me assured me that this was going to be a fantastic experience. I had my doubts. As the coaster slowly clicked its way up the incline to the top of the track the doubts became stronger. But at this point, I was on the rollercoaster and there was no getting off. The waiting was over. The drop happened at an ungodly speed. Twist. Turn. Up. Down. Left. Right. All gas. No brakes. And I loved every second of that wild ride.
Sometimes the hype is all there is. Sometimes it’s for real.
Bryce Underwood is for real.
There’s no Michigan commit in the last decade (ever?) who’s had as much hype as Underwood. And I think you would be forgiven if you were a little skeptical. A Michigan team who had service academy-levels of quarterback play immediately jumping to a kid of this caliber? Understandable whiplash and cynicism until he actually played.
He played.
Sure, it’s a middling G5 program. But a perfectly placed ball is still a perfectly placed ball. A flawless two minute drive is still a flawless two minute drive. More total offense (452) and passing yards (251) than Michigan had in any game last year is still more total offense and passing yards than Michigan had in any game last year.
There is still much consternation heading to Norman where a Brett Venables defense awaits. This consternation is understandable. Bryce Underwood might be for real, but so is the Oklahoma defense. Also, I’d take a gamble that John Mateer will be a massive factor in this game.
Starting a freshman quarterback is a rollercoaster. And — on the road in the SEC — I would not be surprised if the rollercoaster takes a quick plunge this weekend. Don’t be startled if things feel inside-out for a moment. They’ll come back around soon. Just enjoy the ride — every part of it — because it’ll be worth the wait, the twists, and the turns.
Sometimes the hype is all there is. Sometimes it’s for real.
Oklahoma 28
Michigan 20
