After suffering through probably one of the worst offensive showings of the season, Michigan dropped to 4-3 in what many hoped would be a great start to the Tommy Carr era. Instead, it was another poor quarterback showing, and now the question is: where does Michigan go from here?
The defense put on a next-level performance, holding Indiana to just six points in regulation. The only mistake the defense made was allowing the touchdown in overtime, but shouldn't the defense be allowed a mistake or two every now and then? Apparently not with an offense as bad as Michigan's.
That is why, when looking at the five biggest losers for Michigan, not a single defensive coach or player will be on the list because that unit was solid as it gets and couldn't have played any better against the reigning champs.
The offense has to get something figured out, for Kyle Whittingham's time at Michigan could be cut short. With that said, here are the biggest losers from the action...
5. Michigan's College Football Playoff hopes
Was it a long shot before the game against Indiana? Of course it was, but there was still a chance that Michigan could have made the College Football Playoff if they won out the rest of the season after the bye in Week 5. Now with a third loss, the Wolverines can kiss any sort of CFP spot goodbye, especially with the way this offense looks.
4. Wolverines offensive line
It is Week 8, and Michigan has played seven games this season, rolling out a different offensive line combination in each game. Injuries have completely plagued Jim Harding's line, making it hard for any of those guys to gel and have the best shot at protecting the quarterback.
The run game was also non-existent, which didn't help in getting anything going in the passing game. The Indiana defense is great, don't get me wrong, but Carr was constantly flushed from the pocket, and the running backs just never got any big runs.
3. Tommy Carr
I hate to say it, but Carr looked just about as bad at Bryce Underwood this season. Granted, he was facing the reigning National Champions in his first career start, which is not an easy thing to do, but the decision-making was still a problem at quarterback.
At times, it looked like Carr was starting to get comfortable, but poorly timed sacks just killed Michigan's opportunities deep into drives. If Carr is going to be the starter going forward, OC Jason Beck needs to trust his quarterback more with better play calls.
2. Jason Beck
Jason Beck is not the most favored person in Ann Arbor right now. While Carr didn't perform incredibly well, Beck didn't do him any favors with play calls. Bringing in Underwood to try to fake out the defense into thinking he won't run the ball, and then having him run the ball, did nothing.
Then, calling a hidden ball play that resulted in a 13-yard sack when the Wolverines were on the 2-yard line was completely ridiculous. Instead of calling the game to Michigan's strengths with Carr at quarterback, Beck called a game that played right into Indiana's defense's strengths.
1. Kyle Whittingham
In the end, everything falls on head coach Kyle Whittingham. Fans were ecstatic when he made the move from Carr to Underwood, but the next thing fans will be calling for is Beck's head. I understand Whittingham doesn't want to panic and make huge changes, but when it comes to the offense, something has to give.
Whittingham better be careful, because at this point, he may have to start actually coaching in order to keep his job come the end of the season.
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