By Mark Pszonak
Less than a month ago I wrote an article blaming Coach Jim Harbaugh for Michigan’s current quarterback situation (you can read that here). As expected, I received some colorful responses from the Michigan fanbase. After the loss at Washington on Saturday, I’m here to double-down on Michigan’s current situation.
While the Wolverines were a Vegas favorite coming into the game against the Huskies, I find it hard to believe that many people were truly surprised by the 27-17 loss. At least people who have paid attention to Michigan this season.
The biggest issue in 2024, the lack of a quality quarterback, was further magnified in Seattle. After starting the season with Davis Warren, then making the change to Alex Orji, the Wolverines made yet another change to Jack Tuttle. The defending National Champion had to turn their offense over to a seventh-year senior who has now passed for a total of 1,129 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions during his collegiate career.
And as I mentioned in my last article, all of this could’ve and should’ve been avoided if the Wolverines, and more specifically Coach Harbaugh, had added a veteran transfer quarterback to the roster. It was too late for new head coach Sherrone Moore to do it during the spring window with very limited options available, so it had to be done during the winter window. And it wasn’t.
Because it wasn’t, Michigan is in the situation they currently are. This is a situation that has resulted in the Wolverines passing for 690 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. How embarrassing is that? 111 FBS quarterbacks have thrown for more than 690 yards this season, including Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers who hasn’t played in a game since September 14th.
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With no viable passing game insight for the remainder of this season, how bad will it get for Michigan? Up next is a trip to #23 Illinois, which had a bye week to prepare for the Wolverines. In the coming weeks are games against #3 Oregon, at #18 Indiana and to finish the season a trip to #2 Ohio State. Less than a year after winning a National Championship, the Wolverines are staring at a five or six loss season.
Planning for the future is vital for the stability of a program, and Jim Harbaugh failed to do that for Michigan in December. Wolverine fans should always love him for the Championship he brought to Ann Arbor, but they should also question the decision making that produced this 2024 season.
It’s ok to do both.
