Dave Portnoy has called for fans to put some respect on Bryce Underwood’s name after he was seen celebrating with backup QB Tommy Carr despite being replaced by him at half-time.

It was an underwhelming performance from Underwood in the first half as he threw 5 of 11 passes for 43 yards. He also had two interceptions, one of which put an end to Michigan’s promising drive that had helped them get into the 36-yard line.

At half-time, the score was 3-0 to Penn State, and due to the poor offensive display, head coach Kyle Whittingham decided to bring in backup QB Tommy Carr.

While it was a controversial call to replace Underwood, a player who is making the most NIL money on the team, it paid dividends as Carr inspired the team to a second-half revival.

Underwood was extremely disappointed after he was taken out of the game but when Carr started making the difference, he became extremely supportive of the QB, which led to many people praising his leadership.

Dave Portnoy praises Bryce Underwood for his leadership

Bryce Underwood did not have a great freshman season with the Michigan Wolverines. There were analysts who had explained that there was a chance he could be taken out as a starter but none of them could predict how he would react to it happening.

After Carr’s rushing TD, he ran towards the player and celebrated his big night with him. His gesture seemed to further impress Portnoy, who is one of Michigan’s biggest fans and has shown his support for Underwood previously as well.

“Leaders and Best! We don’t just build football players at Michigan. We build leaders of men. Bryce Underwood deserves all of Michigan’s respect,” said Portnoy on X.

Underwood showed why his teammates trusted him to be the captain of the team. After the game, they were once again heaping praise on his demeanour, despite being benched.

“He easily could have sat on the bench and pouted, yet he was excited for Tommy and everything he was doing,” tackle Blake Frazier said. “I think that just speaks to the kind of captain Bryce is.”

Carr ended the night, completing 5 of 7 passes for 47 yards, and he also rushed for 36 yards. Coach Whittingham explained the reason behind his decision and it had a lot to do with Carr’s ability to rush with the ball.

“We just needed to get something going, create a spark,” Whittingham said. “(Carr) responded very well.”

After Carr’s performance vs. Penn State, Underwood’s status as a starter for Michigan is now in doubt. The team will take on the Indiana Hoosiers next week, and it will be interesting to see what decision coach Whittingham makes for that big game.