Takeaways from Michigan’s embarrassing loss to Iowa
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Michigan lost to Iowa 20-19 on Saturday afternoon, falling to 3-1.
Here are key takeaways from the game.
Ridiculous penalties
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham has been preaching all year long that the team must avoid self-inflicted errors, yet Michigan is one of the most penalized teams in the country. Michigan had eight penalties for 75 yards, with none dumber than Zeke Berry pushing Iowa receiver Tony Diaz after an incomplete pass on third down to inch Iowa closer to the end zone instead of a 4th down play.
Penalties were an issue during the Sherrone Moore era, and those same issues are here with Whittingham. Michigan has no discipline.
Bryce Underwood’s up-and-down day
Underwood made some great throws throughout the afternoon — be it short, intermediate, or long. Underwood displayed good arm strength, but he threw with more touch today when it was called for. Underwood threw two touchdowns, including a 49-yarder to JJ Buchanan to put Michigan up temporarily 19-14. If Michigan won, Underwood’s big mistake would be more forgivable, but they lost, and his red zone interception in the third quarter took points off the board for Michigan, points that would have put the game out of reach during Iowa’s last possession.
Underwood was 17-of-28 for 278 yards with the two touchdowns and interception. While the loss isn’t solely on Underwood’s shoulders, his interception, as well as his failure to pick up a first down in the first half on 4th and 1 in field goal range, really hurt Michigan’s chances of winning.
Running game was marginally better
Jordan Marshall rushed for 59 yards, Savion Hiter rushed for 53, Bryce Underwood had 36. Unfortunately, none of these runs were of the explosive variety that led to points on the board.
JJ Buchanan is Michigan’s best player
This might wind up being a rough season for Michigan, but sophomore wideout JJ Buchanan seems destined to have a great NFL career when the time comes. Buchanan had five receptions for 130 yards with two touchdowns.
Issues on special teams
Michigan allowed a 99-yard kickoff return in the first half that gave Iowa more momentum than they should have had going into halftime (Michigan led 10-7 at the half). Andrew Marsh also opted not to fair catch two punts inside the ten, and that allowed Iowa punter Boston Everitt to pin Michigan back further than they would have otherwise. Kerry Coombs was touted as a special teams coordinator who is amongst the best in the business, but the results have yet to show, besides the consistency at kicker and punter. Michigan’s kickoff return defense hasn’t been up to snuff and is allowing way too many yards.
It’s probably going to get uglier from here
Michigan is a quarter into the season and hasn’t made enough improvements to believe this team can go on a big run and turn things around. They were fortunate to have a reprieve and get a second Hail Mary opportunity against Western Michigan; they barely beat an Oklahoma team that is, fair to say in retrospect is actually bad; they struggled for a half against UTEP, and now they lost to Iowa for the first time in a decade. That’s a bad four games, even if the record says 3-1.
With games remaining against teams such as Penn State, Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State, this season could actually get ugly if Michigan can’t rattle off some upsets. 7-5 at best? It’s possible. 6-6 or worse? Maybe? Going 9-3 or higher? Highly unlikely based on 16 quarters of film. Bryce Underwood will remain inconsistent; Michigan’s defense has talent but deficiencies, the team continues to be penalized, the rushing attack and offensive line are inconsistent, they have no reliable receiving targets beyond JJ Buchanan and Andrew Marsh — these are just some of the issues Michigan has.
While it would be unfair to expect a miraculous first season under Kyle Whittingham, it should be a lot better than this. At what point does the blame fall on him and his coaching staff? That time is coming if Michigan doesn’t do a 180.
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