Bryce Underwood and the Wolverines' offense took a step forward against UTEP, but a top-20 matchup with Iowa presents a much tougher challenge.
Michigan is ready to kick off Big Ten play this weekend.
After opening the season with three games that included a scare against Western Michigan, a statement win over Oklahoma and a dominant victory over UTEP, the Wolverines will launch into a top-20 matchup with Iowa with plenty to prove.
Kyle Whittingham believes Michigan took a step forward in Saturday's 52-16 win over UTEP, particularly on offense. Bryce Underwood played his best game of the season, while Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan both had big performances.
But Whittingham also knows the standard has to rise with the level of competition.
"Iowa is a good football team with one of the top defenses in the country," Whittingham said on Monday. "They have playmakers offensively, especially at receiver. It's going to be a big test for us."
The biggest question for Michigan may be whether its offense can continue to improve against a defense capable of making things difficult.
The Wolverines' running game is coming along, according to Whittingham, but the downfield passing attack still needs work. Michigan has to be able to stretch defenses vertically to prevent opponents from consistently loading the box.
That could put even more responsibility on Underwood. The sophomore quarterback has the ability to check out of a run when defenses overload the line, although Whittingham said there will also be situations where Michigan simply wants to run directly into a loaded box and impose its will.
Michigan also needs to clean up its ball security. The Wolverines have put the ball on the ground six times through three games, an issue Whittingham said is addressed every day in practice.
"There are no excuses for turnovers," he said.
The running back situation is another storyline heading into the Iowa game. Jordan Marshall has been slowed by a nagging injury, while Savion Hiter took a significant step forward against UTEP.
There are some questions at receiver and tight end as well, with Salesi Moa and Channing Goodwin battling for the No. 3 receiver role. Jaime Ffrench and Kendrick Bell are in the mix as well. Hogan Hansen remains a potential key weapon at tight end, while Whittingham wants to get Mason Bonner more involved.
Defensively, Michigan continues to build around Jay Hill's scheme, which Whittingham praised for its variety and ability to disguise coverages without becoming too complicated for the players.
Now comes the first true Big Ten test.
Michigan has shown flashes through three games. Against Iowa, the Wolverines will have to show they can put it all together.
