Sherrone Moore admits one of Bryce Underwood's interceptions was him 'heat checking'

Bryce Underwood threw for 280 yards and two interceptions during Michigan‘s 24-22 win over Northwestern during Week 12. The turnovers came on consecutive drives in the fourth quarter, the first of which helped the Wildcats take a late lead.

Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore explained what he saw from his true freshman QB on the interceptions. He admitted the second of them was a slight mistake during a play that Moore said worked a couple of times earlier in the matchup.

“The first one, he just moved off the first target too quick, and the second one, he was heat checking,” Moore said. “You know, that’s what you call that one. Sometimes that happens. He had a couple big plays on it, and then just holding it way too long, should just probably hand that one when that happens.

“But those are the things that happened. He’s eating himself up about it, but he should also look at the incredible plays he made throughout the game because those were special.”

Moore said that he addressed the turnovers with his young quarterback during the game. He reminded Underwood that he has the confidence of his coaching staff and teammates.

“Just keep him calm,” Moore said he told Underwood. “Let him know we trust him, that we’re still here with him, and he’s got to go do something at the end of the game to go win it, and he did.”

The Wolverines were able to escape Wrigley Field with a victory. Underwood led the game-winning drive by marching Michigan 10 plays across 50 yards across the final 2:10 of regulation. The drive was capped by a 31-yard field goal made by All-American kicker Dominic Zvada as time expired.

In addition to his passing totals, Underwood finished the game with nine carries for 30 yards and a touchdown. His lone touchdown came during the Wolverines’ first drive of the second half against Northwestern.

On the season, Underwood has thrown for 1,951 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions and has added 60 rushing attempts for 302 yards and five additional scores on the ground. He currently has the Wolverines with an 8-2 record and ranked No. 18 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.

Next up for Michigan is a road trip to 4-6 Maryland. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. However, all roads lead to Nov. 29 when the Wolverines host top-ranked Ohio State during the final week of the regular season.