Michigan’s Season Slips Further After Kyle Whittingham’s Coaching Decision Against Michigan State Goes Wrong

A flat performance at home

Michigan entered the in-state rivalry with three losses and an outside chance at the playoffs. The article says the Wolverines appeared flat throughout the game, while 2-6 Michigan State played with urgency.

Michigan’s offense struggled again despite facing an injury-weakened Spartans defense. The Wolverines were coming off a decent showing against Rutgers, but failed to build on it.

Offensive numbers raise concerns

The article cites Michigan’s rankings after the weekend: 117th in points per game, 126th in yards per game, 114th in yards per play and 133rd in giveaways per game. It also describes Jason Beck as one of the country’s highest-paid offensive coordinators.

The writer argues that Beck’s scheme and play-calling had not worked, pointing to recurring plays that opposing defenses were not fooled by. The article says the offense showed little evidence of improvement.

Earlier warnings went unheeded

The writer says the Minnesota game should have prompted Whittingham to question the offensive approach. Michigan had a bye beforehand but produced what the article calls a poor offensive performance.

Whittingham continued to support Beck publicly, including after Michigan’s loss to Indiana. The article says that, following the Indiana defeat, the team still had an opportunity to change play-callers and try to revive its offense.

A late change, little time

Whittingham was quoted as saying it was “Not time to panic.” The article argues that the decision to keep Beck in place cost Michigan time to respond during the season. Beck was subsequently fired, but the writer says the change came after Michigan’s home loss to Michigan State and too late to salvage the season. The article concludes that the program appeared to be at its lowest point.