3 Major Concerns for Michigan Football Entering Bye Week

Michigan football (4-2, 2-1) dropped to No. 24 in the latest AP Top 25 ranking after falling to Washington (4-2, 2-1) on the road, 27-17.

Through six weeks, it’s clear the Wolverines have more than a quarterback problem. Below, I identify three areas of concern (excluding the QB) as the Wolverines head into the bye week.

NEW: Michigan Stumbles Early and Late in Loss to Washington

Michigan’s Wide Receivers Are Struggling

Whether you attribute it to the quarterback or the play-calling, the Michigan wide receivers have made almost no impact this season.

Out of 14 total wide receivers on the roster, it has just four seniors. Only a handful of pass-catchers have seen meaningful playing time, and senior tight end Colston Loveland leads the Wolverines in receptions (29), yards (261), and touchdowns (2). You could argue Loveland is a part-time receiver with how often he splits out wide, which certainly impacts the receiving room’s production.

Still, sophomore receiver Semaj Morgan is second on the team in receptions with a microscopic 13 catches and 78 yards in five games operating as a WR1. He’s also tied for second on the team in touchdowns … with one.

To put it in perspective, Washington’s sophomore receiver Denzel Boston has 492 receiving yards and eight touchdowns this season, while Michigan as a team has 690 passing yards for six touchdowns.

If quarterback Jack Tuttle can provide stability under center, it will be on the receivers to step up next. 

The Defense’s Second Half Struggles

It’s been a long season for this defense in the second half. The Wolverines have allowed a combined 84 points in the second half through six games. Michigan had a three point lead in the third quarter against Washington, but its defense couldn’t get off the field when it needed to. 

The Wolverines have given up 114 first downs this season, which is tied for 107th in the country with none other than Michigan State.

Additionally, Michigan is ranked towards the bottom of the country in third down conversions for defense, getting off the field about 40% of the time teams reach third down.

Most assumed the maize and blue only had a chance this year if their defense remained a top unit, and although there have been some flashes, it doesn’t seem like it is through six weeks. 

Remaining Strength of Schedule

Unfortunately for the Wolverines, their schedule only gets more bumpy from this point on. Out of its six remaining games, four teams are currently ranked in the polls. One of the unranked teams ahead is Michigan State, and the numbers can usually be thrown out the window for that matchup.

Texas is the only team that has reached 30 points against Michigan, and if its offense can get to a place where it can score 30, it has a chance against anyone. If Michigan can’t gain any traction on offense, the games against Oregon and that team in Ohio might not be very fun to watch.

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