Pressure Mounts on Kyle Whittingham as Michigan Loss to Michigan State Could Force Wolverines’ Hand
Rivalry brings pressure
Michigan has beaten Michigan State in four straight games and seven of the teams’ past 10 meetings. The Wolverines are favored at home, but the article notes that past records may not mean much in this rivalry.
Both programs have new head coaches. Whittingham arrived from Utah after 21 seasons as its head coach, while Pat Fitzgerald took charge of Michigan State after coaching Northwestern. Fitzgerald is described as more familiar with the rivalry.
Michigan’s season raises concern
The Wolverines are 5-3 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten play, and they are not ranked. The article describes their offense as among the weakest in the Power Four, while saying even some wins have frustrated fans.
Fornelli placed Whittingham at No. 5 on a list of five teams or individuals facing the most anxiety. In his assessment, a defeat could leave Whittingham wondering whether he would have a second season at Michigan.
Spartans face their own hurdles
Michigan State is 2-6 and 0-5 in Fitzgerald’s first season. The Spartans have not beaten a Power Four opponent this season, and the article says injuries have severely affected the team.
Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic was listed as questionable, and Michigan State played its third-string quarterback two weeks earlier. The Spartans’ offense ranks last in the Big Ten, while their defense is 13th in total defense.
A defeat could reshape outlook
The article says Michigan is still substantially stronger than Michigan State despite its offensive problems. Tommy Carr could have an opportunity to move the ball against the Spartans, while Michigan’s defense could challenge their struggling offense.
Fornelli’s quoted assessment says a Michigan loss would mean a new coach in Ann Arbor next season. That outcome is presented as a possibility, not a confirmed decision, but the game is framed as a major test for Whittingham.
Key points
- Michigan has won its past four games against Michigan State.
- The Wolverines enter the rivalry game at 5-3 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten play.
- Michigan State is 2-6 and has not beaten a Power Four opponent this season.
- Tom Fornelli ranked Kyle Whittingham fifth among those facing the most anxiety this week.