Michigan football seeks to salvage season with Michigan State game
The Wolverines are 5-3 and out of the playoff picture, but their defense ranks third nationally as they prepare for a difficult final stretch.
By Dominic Foster ·
Michigan’s offense ranks 127th nationally through eight games. That single statistic defines the current state of the Wolverines, who stand at 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten. The team is no longer in the College Football Playoff picture and sits under .500 in conference play.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham arrived in January, joining the program after the recruiting cycle had concluded. During Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, he described his first year as unwrapping a Christmas present. He acknowledged unknowns regarding skill positions and defensive depth. His primary goal was to have the team playing meaningful football by November.
The season timeline has not matched that initial hope. Michigan opened the year ranked fifth in the Big Ten behind Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and USC. While Oregon and Indiana have underperformed relative to preseason expectations, Ohio State remains a game away from the league championship. Michigan has dropped three of its last four games, including a 20-19 loss to Iowa, a 20-14 loss at Minnesota, and a 13-6 overtime loss to Indiana.
The Wolverines face Michigan State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on Peacock. This matchup serves as a precursor to a difficult final slate. Michigan will travel to Oregon, host No. 8 UCLA, and finish the regular season at Ohio State. Whittingham told reporters on Monday that the games are not as meaningful as the staff would like. He stated that it would take unusual circumstances to return to the conference race.
"I don't think that's in the cards," Whittingham said. The team is now focused on securing a bowl berth. Whittingham noted that the competitive nature of football drives the team to prepare and play hard regardless of the stakes. He admitted the program wished to be in a better position.
Despite the offensive struggles, the defense remains a top-tier unit. The group ranks third nationally in yards allowed per game, surrendering 250 yards. It also ranks sixth in yards per play, giving up 4.3 per attempt. The Wolverines have allowed more than 20 points in only one game this season, a 28-21 victory over Rutgers. The defense has kept Michigan within reach in all eight contests.
"We are playing elite defense, and I hope the fans appreciate that," Whittingham said. He observed that the offense is gaining traction after its best performance of the season against Indiana. He described the unit as a work in progress that is making strides. Whittingham believes the team is only one game away from remaining in the title conversation, though he acknowledged that is already hypothetical talk.
Michigan State enters the game with the 134th-ranked offense in the country. The Spartans are missing several starters on their 64th-ranked defense. Whittingham views this matchup as an opportunity to add wins to the roster. He admitted the offensive progress has been slower than desired. He noted that he joined the staff after the recruiting cycle, relying on portal opportunities to build the roster.
"So far this year, it hasn't been as good as we should have been, or hope to have been," Whittingham said. The team aims to present a quality product for its fans despite the early-season challenges.
The Wolverines will look to exploit the Spartan defensive absences. Michigan’s defense will test the 134th-ranked Spartan offense. The result will set the tone for the final four weeks of the regular season.
