After a disheartening 27-17 loss to Washington, Michigan’s bye week couldn’t come at a better time. With a 4-2 record, Head Coach Sherrone Moore and his team need a flawless run to remain playoff contenders. The break allows Michigan’s squad time to heal, refine fundamentals, and regroup under Moore’s guidance. But is it enough to turn their season around?
Moore shared insights on his bye-week strategy in a recent interview, saying, “We work with the younger players on Monday and kind of let the older guys really rest and get their bodies healthy. After that, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be practice days with a mix of recuperation work and focused practice.” This rest-and-repair approach is key for a team battling injuries, particularly at crucial positions.
Quarterback remains a major question mark. With starter Davis Warren sidelined due to injury, Alex Orji initially stepped up, showing flashes of potential with his powerful arm against USC. Yet, during the Washington game, Moore opted to start Jack Tuttle, which left some fans baffled as Michigan’s offense struggled. Moore’s goal for this week? Get Tuttle more comfortable in his role, streamline the offense, and find consistency to avoid costly miscues.
Injuries to critical players like offensive tackle Myles Hinton and defensive anchor Derrick Moore compound Michigan’s problems. Coach Moore expressed cautious optimism about their return, saying, “I think [Hinton] will be back for next week… and [Derrick Moore] should be ready to go,” but only time and practice will tell. With these players potentially back, Moore’s defensive lineup can regain some stability—a necessity after their pass defense was repeatedly exposed by Washington.
Michigan’s struggles on defense have underscored the need for improvement. Moore aims to use the bye week to reset the fundamentals, particularly focusing on shoring up the secondary and reinforcing a defense that looked outmatched in recent games. Reflecting on advice from former coach Jim Harbaugh, Moore said, “The only thing you can do is get better and make sure the coaches are coaching their players the way they want to be coached.” Moore’s priority is to align his staff and players with this goal, hoping to instill consistency across the board.
With six games remaining, each one is a must-win if Michigan wants a shot at the playoffs. Will Moore’s bye-week approach reinvigorate the Wolverines and prepare them for their next matchup against Illinois? Or is it already too late for this season’s playoff dreams? Let us know what you think: can Sherrone Moore pull off a turnaround, or is Michigan destined to come up short?
