Michigan’s 20-14 loss to Minnesota left the Wolverines at 3-2, and Kyle Whittingham didn’t waste time suggesting the next stretch could bring real changes.
The offense was the story again, and not in a good way. Michigan managed just 180 total yards, went 3-for-10 on third down and still came away with two takeaways, including a Nathaniel Staehling pick-six. But Bryce Underwood threw two interceptions, and Andrew Marsh muffed a punt, wiping out any chance to build momentum.
After the game, Whittingham made it clear that nothing is off the table as Michigan heads into a bye week.
"Well, we're certainly going to analyze every single possibility. You're right, it's been completely ineffective.
Most of the times, not 100% of the time, we still are so far away from where we need to be on that side of the ball. We're going to look at it from all angles, like I said.
We've got a week off, not the week off, but a bye week, to try to figure out our problems, because we've got enough problems to occupy our time, I can tell you that."
Whittingham also sounded blunt when asked about the state of the team.
"I'm still trying to figure it out. I've been in this profession for 40-plus years, and this is the biggest challenge I've had.
We will get it figured out, I promise you that. I'm not sure what the timeline is, but I promise you we'll get it figured out at some juncture.
A lot of answers that we've got to come up with, because we've got so many deficiencies."
The coach then turned his attention to offensive coordinator Jason Beck and the possibility of broader changes.
"Well, we'll sit down with him, and I'll sit down with the entire offense, and get everybody's input and everybody's perspective. I mean, we're frustrated with Coach Beck and his track record.
He was outstanding as an offensive coordinator. So we might have to make some tough decisions here.
"We'll see. But, you know, right now, to this point, through this portion of the season, it's unacceptable.
The results are unacceptable right now. I don't have any specifics for you.
I'm not pointing fingers. Certainly I'm not pointing fingers at the players.
But something's got to be resolved."
Finally, Whittingham made it clear that every spot is being evaluated.
"Who the guys are that give us the best chance to win.. Coaches are always being evaluated.
Everything's in play. Everything's in play.
What you don't want to do is panic. Like I said, we're 3-2.
There are a few positive things. But we've got seven games left and we've got this opportunity to right the ship.
As much as we can."
Michigan’s problems have been most obvious on offense, even though the defense has looked like the stronger side. The unit’s inconsistency has been a recurring issue, and the performance against Minnesota looked too much like the Week 1 showing against Western Michigan.
The expectation now is that the bye week brings some kind of adjustment, whether that means changes in playcalling, personnel or both. A move away from Bryce Underwood would be a surprise, but other changes appear likely if Michigan is going to stop sliding.
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