ANN ARBOR, MI (9-19-26) – For nearly two quarters, Michigan looked vulnerable. By the end of the afternoon, the Wolverines looked every bit like the nation’s No. 19 team.

Michigan overcame two early turnovers and scored 38 unanswered points on its way to a 52-17 victory over UTEP at Michigan Stadium. The win moved the Wolverines to 3-0 heading into Big Ten play.

UTEP stunned the home crowd by turning a Bryce Underwood fumble into a 45-yard touchdown pass from E.J. Colson Jr. to Carver Cheeks. The Miners later recovered a Savion Hiter fumble and scored on Colson’s 18-yard pass to Lamar Sperling, taking a 14-7 lead late in the second quarter.

But Michigan finally settled down.

Underwood connected with JJ Buchanan on a 21-yard touchdown pass with 1:31 remaining in the half. Trey Butkowski then delivered a 49-yard field goal as time expired, sending Michigan into the locker room with a 17-14 lead.

From there, the Wolverines took control.

Jordan Marshall scored on a six-yard run in the third quarter before leaving the game after aggravating a leg injury. Hiter followed with his second rushing touchdown, powering into the end zone from eight yards out.

Underwood then found Andrew Marsh for a 34-yard touchdown that pushed Michigan’s lead to 38-14. Marsh emerged as Underwood’s top target, finishing with 10 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.

The Michigan defense joined the scoring when Jonah Lea’ea intercepted Colson and returned it nine yards for a touchdown. The defensive score completed a 28-point third quarter and turned what had been a competitive game into a rout.

Michigan’s younger players also received an opportunity to contribute. Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr made his Wolverines debut and threw his first collegiate touchdown pass, connecting with Salesi Moa for a 19-yard score in the fourth quarter.

Underwood completed 19 of 25 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Buchanan caught seven passes for 92 yards and a score, while Hiter rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns.

After allowing UTEP to capitalize on two first-half mistakes, Michigan’s defense held the Miners to three points in the second half. The Wolverines limited UTEP to 150 total yards and only two conversions on 12 third-down attempts. Michigan finished with 431 yards of offense and converted nine of its 13 third-down opportunities.

The opening half offered another reminder that Michigan cannot afford sluggish starts when the competition becomes more difficult. The second half, however, showed how quickly the Wolverines can take over a game when their offense, defense and depth begin working together.

Michigan now prepares to open Big Ten play against No. 18 Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Michigan Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., with CBS carrying the game.