The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is arguably the most intense in college football. Winning or losing “The Game” could make or break a season for players, coaches and fans.

That doesn’t mean everybody involved in the rivalry approaches the matchup the same way. New Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham took some heat recently when he admitted that as much as he wants to beat the Buckeyes, he doesn’t “hate” the OSU program.

Now, Whittingham’s quarterback is in the crosshairs. Sophomore Bryce Underwood struggled in his first experience against Ohio State last November, completing 8-of-18 passes for 63 yards and an interception in a 27-9 loss.

Asked by NBC Sports’ John Fanta how playing against the Buckeyes is different than a normal game, Underwood downplayed the idea.

“It’s just another game with guys in a different color,” Underwood said. “That’s how I see it.”

Asked Bryce Underwood about The Game.

Here is what the Michigan QB had to say: pic.twitter.com/Gi7s4KCGby

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) August 11, 2026

Listening to the earlier portions of the clip above, it’s clear Underwood didn’t want to say anything inflammatory. He used a bunch of cliches when asked to define “The Game,” and said “a loss” is what comes to mind when thinking about his first meeting with the Buckeyes.

However, coming of his head coach’s comments and the ensuing backlash, many college football fans think the former five-star quarterback missed the mark.

“Like he could have said anything else after coach was already on record,” one person said.

“Doesn’t get it,” another person added.

“I would just stop talking at this point,” said On3’s David Cone, a former Michigan quarterback.

“Michigan downplaying THE game and THE rivalry recently is disconcerting to me,” said WKYC sportscaster Nick Camino. “Also, the expanded @CFBPlayoff has done a remarkable job making these rivalries and the regular season just feel like any normal game. Sad, honestly.”

“This kid doesn’t miss an opportunity to say something ill-advised,” another commenter chimed in.

As usual, the Wolverines and Buckeyes will meet in the regular season finale, scheduled for noon ET at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 28. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the game carried Big Ten title and/or College Football Playoff implications for one or both teams.

If Underwood lights it up and helps the Maize and Blue beat their archrival, all will be forgiven and forgotten. However, if he doesn’t play well, and Michigan loses “The Game” for a second year in a row, these comments will be replayed ad nauseum.