Michigan football is struggling to regain its dominance under Sherrone Moore, following the departure of Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines, coming off a 4-1 start, have not exhibited the same powerhouse form that led them to a National Championship last season. Their shocking 31-12 defeat to Texas and razor-thin victories over USC and Minnesota have fans and analysts questioning the trajectory of the team. JD PicKell, of On3, captured the sentiment bluntly, likening the Wolverines to a “shipwreck” trying to stay afloat in the College Football Playoff race.
“It’s great that you’re [Michigan] still alive,” PicKell said in his latest analysis. “But the reality is though, whenever you’re floating on a life raft or a piece of debris from a wrecked ship, you got to find a way to adjust.”
Moore’s leadership has been under fire, especially for his quarterback decisions. Davis Warren started the season but underwhelmed, forcing Moore to pivot to Alex Orji. However, Orji’s underwhelming performance — including just 17 of 30 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown in a narrow win over Minnesota — has left many unconvinced that Michigan can sustain a strong playoff push.
Even seasoned analyst Joel Klatt has criticized Michigan’s performance this season, stating, “Michigan looks lost right now. This is not anywhere close to the team that we have seen over the last three years.” The stark contrast to last year’s dominance, where Michigan consistently crushed opponents with single-digit scores, has led to growing concerns about whether Moore can turn the season around.
Moore himself acknowledges the team’s struggles, admitting, “A work in progress, but got to get better, got to continue to strive to get better.” He’s vowed to make adjustments, which appear to be in effect following the loss to Texas, but he knows the road ahead is difficult.
On October 6, Michigan faces their 2023 National Championship opponent, the Washington Huskies, a team they dominated 34-13 last year. But with the Wolverines looking vulnerable and searching for answers, this rematch is shaping up to be far from a sure win. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on Moore to prove that Michigan can still live up to its storied legacy.
