Michigan Slides in Polls After Michigan State Loss

Michigan’s offense managed just six points in its Week 10 defeat by Michigan State, extending a difficult stretch for the Wolverines. It was the second time in three weeks they had failed to score more than six points. The loss followed a narrow win over Rutgers in Week 9 and came at home against their in-state rival.

The program dismissed offensive coordinator Jason Beck after the defeat. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has also raised the prospect of replacing quarterback Tommy Carr with Bryce Underwood, who started in Week 1.

Michigan’s position worsened in multiple rankings. ESPN’s SP+ dropped the Wolverines seven places, leaving them at their lowest point of the season. The defense remained third nationally in that system, while the offense was close to falling beyond the top 100 and special teams ranked 127th. The team also slipped five places in ESPN’s Football Power Index, moving behind Wisconsin.

The Athletic’s ranking showed a smaller decline of two spots, keeping Michigan within its top 35. Oregon, UCLA and Ohio State are listed ahead of the Wolverines and remain on their schedule; Michigan is expected to be an underdog in those games. CBS Sports moved the team down 10 places, outside its top 50. Twelve Big Ten teams rank above Michigan there, excluding Michigan State.