Michigan Sees Offensive Signs of Progress Ahead of Iowa Visit

Coach Kyle Whittingham pointed to more than 400 yards against UTEP as a step forward, but wants more big plays in the passing game.

Michigan's Week 3 win over UTEP started slowly, with two first-half turnovers and a pair of poorly timed penalties, but the offense found rhythm after halftime and finished with more than 400 yards.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham called it the team's most productive game of the season. He said Bryce Underwood played his best game so far, and credited running backs Savion and Jordan Marshall with getting going, with each finishing around or above 60 yards.

Receiver Andrew Marsh had a breakout performance with more than 100 receiving yards, including a 34-yard touchdown, and Whittingham noted that Jason is shaping the passing attack around Marsh and JJ as the top two targets. Jaime Ffrench is competing for the third receiver spot.

Whittingham still wants more explosiveness through the air. Quarterbacks Bryce Underwood and Tommy Carr combined for 246 passing yards, but the coach said Michigan did not connect on plays of 40, 50 or 60 yards, and that stretching defenses would open up the running game.

The tight end room is getting healthier, with Hogan Hansen logging 17 snaps in his season debut and Zack Marshall contributing as a blocker. Whittingham said both should see more time and added that Mason Bonner will be brought along gradually.

Michigan hosts Iowa on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:36 p.m. EDT on CBS.