Michigan offense struggles to generate run game production against Western Michigan
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 9:08 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Michigan struggled to establish a consistent run game during its 13-12 season-opening win against Western Michigan. The Wolverines averaged 4.2 yards per carry on 25 attempts, failing to record a single run longer than 15 yards. Coach Kyle Whittingham attributed the offensive inefficiency to a lack of physicality and a tendency for ball carriers to move laterally rather than north-south. The poor ground performance forced quarterback Bryce Underwood into difficult passing situations, as he struggled to find rhythm after an initial five-completion opening drive. Michigan now faces a significantly more difficult defensive challenge as it prepares to host No. 9 Oklahoma at Michigan Stadium this Saturday at noon.
- •Michigan averaged 4.2 yards per carry against Western Michigan.
- •Bryce Underwood led the team with 47 rushing yards on nine attempts.
- •The offense managed only three runs of 10 or more yards.
- •Michigan hosts No. 9 Oklahoma on Saturday at noon in Ann Arbor.
- 9:08 AMYahoo Sports — Run game takes blame for Michigan football struggles on offense
"“Sometimes instead of getting north-south, a little too much east-west going on," Michigan football coach Kyle Whittingham said of a win over WMU.
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