UTEP Miners @ Michigan Wolverines
No. 19 Michigan starts shaky, finishes strong in 52-17 win over UTEP
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- — Bryce Underwood threw two touchdown passes and Savion Hiter had two rushing scores to help No. 19 Michigan pull away and beat UTEP 52-17 on Saturday.
The Wolverines (3-0) were behind twice in the first half before scoring 38 straight points to turn a potential scare into a rout.
The Miners (1-2) forced two turnovers in the first half and took advantage with two touchdown passes by E.J. Colston: 45 yards to Carver Cheeks and 18 yards to Lamar Sperling.
Underwood's 21-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan and Trey Butkowski’s 49-yard field goal over the last 1:31 of the first half put Michigan ahead for the first time.
The sophomore quarterback threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Marsh and Jonah Lea'ea returned an interception for a score over the last 1:18 of the third quarter, giving the Wolverines a 45-14 lead.
Underwood was 19 of 25 for 223 yards with two touchdowns and a lost fumble.
Tommy Carr made his Michigan debut and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Salesi Moa. His grandfathers are former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr and Tom Curtis, an All-America defensive back for the Wolverines, and his brother is Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr.
Michigan's starting running back, Jordan Marshall, ran for 59 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game in the third quarter after his right leg got tangled up as he was tackled.
UTEP: After leading twice in the first half, the finish was familiar. The Miners fell to 4-63 against AP Top 25 teams and their only road win against a ranked opponent was in 1974 against No. 14 Arizona State.
Michigan: The Wolverines have fumbled six times in three games, losing four. Underwood lost his second fumble this season and Hiter also lost one against UTEP.
UTEP: Hosts Oregon State next Saturday.
Michigan: Hosts No. 18 Iowa next Saturday.
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