Underwood, the fourth true freshman to start a season opener at quarterback in Michigan history, completed 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown. His poise and arm strength were on display throughout the night, and he avoided critical mistakes under the lights in front of 110,648 fans—the 324th consecutive crowd of over 100,000 at the Big House. Underwood set a new Michigan record for most passing yards by a freshman quarterback in a debut, surpassing the previous mark held by Tate Forcier.
Transfer running back Justice Haynes, formerly of Alabama, also impressed in his Michigan debut. Haynes ran for 159 yards on 16 carries and scored three touchdowns, including a 56-yard run on his first carry and a 59-yarder that set up his third score. His performance set a Michigan record for rushing yards in a debut.
Michigan built an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter with two Haynes touchdowns and extended the margin before halftime as Underwood connected with tight end Marlin Klein for a 15-yard touchdown—the first of Klein’s career. Klein finished as Michigan’s top receiver, catching six passes for 93 yards and a score.
The Wolverines’ defense, under coordinator Wink Martindale, limited New Mexico to 267 total yards and just 61 on the ground. Michigan forced three turnovers, including interceptions from T.J. Guy, Brandyn Hillman, and Cole Sullivan. The defense added three sacks and nine tackles for loss, though it allowed Lobos receiver Dorian Thomas to score twice.
New Mexico, led by new head coach Jason Eck, showed resilience by narrowing the gap to 27-17 late in the third quarter, but turnovers and Michigan’s running game sealed the outcome. Lobos quarterback Jack Layne completed 31 of 47 passes for 208 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in his debut.
The win gives Michigan a 120-23-3 all-time record in season openers and extends their home opener mark to 102-15-2. The Wolverines have now won nine straight night games at home. Next, Michigan faces a tougher test on the road against Oklahoma, while New Mexico will host Idaho State.
For more on the game, see the full box score at ESPN and the game recap at MLive.