Michigan football's most important game this weekend might have happened less than seven miles from Michigan Stadium, the night before the Wolverines played at Indiana on Saturday.

Belleville High School quarterback Bryce Underwood, rated the No. 1 HS prospect in the country by multiple national recruiting services, is embarking on a playoff run right as Michigan intensifies its efforts to convince Underwood to change his LSU commitment.

That inspired a large group of Wolverine fans to make the short trek to nearby Saline, Michigan Friday night to watch Underwood lead Belleville past Saline, 42-7, and into the Division 1 MHSAA regional finals.

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There were Michigan flags in the stands and some fans Friday showed up with shirts that read, “Bryce and E Dot,” in reference to Underwood and his Belleville teammate, four-star defensive back Elijah Dotson. Michigan is also attempting to woo Dotson to renege on his commitment to Pittsburgh and potentially join Underwood with the Wolverines.

Connor Stalions was also among those in attendance and was working with Belleville's team in an unofficial capacity. Belleville co-head coach Calvin Norman told the Free Press that Stalions is helping with the offense and "observing Bryce (Underwood)."

Underwood committed to LSU over Michigan and Alabama four days before the Wolverines won the national championship game last January, in the aftermath of former Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy playing under coach Brian Kelly.

Underwood has not decommitted from LSU since then, despite recent reports that Michigan coach Sherrone Moore were renewing efforts to make inroads with Underwood. He is reportedly among the visitors expected when LSU plays host to Alabama on Saturday night. Underwood was Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year in 2023 and led Belleville to its first two state championships in program history as a freshman and sophomore.

Michigan has struggled at the quarterback position during the 2024 season, turning to three different starters through nine games. The fans in Friday made sure Underwood, who has played his entire high school career in southeast Michigan, knew they see him as potential salvation down the road.

"They lined up by the tunnel and near the locker room postgame and flashed Michigan jerseys at him, saying, 'This could be you!' as Underwood left the field," wrote Free Press reporter Jared Ramsey.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bryce Underwood: Michigan fans flock to LSU QB commit's HS football game