Michigan football suffered a rude awakening on Saturday night against USC, losing a marquee matchup 31-13.
It wasn't that the Wolverines lost the game. Losses will happen, especially against good teams, after traveling across the country. It was the way Michigan was manhandled, on both sides of the ball, that was eye-opening.
USC out-gained Michigan 224-109 on the ground. Justice Haynes getting hurt didn't help. But the offensive line wasn't good enough. The defense completely no-showed, which is becoming a common occurrence, having allowed just over 27 points per game against Nebraska, Oklahoma, and USC.
By any definition, allowing almost 28 points per game is just bad defense. Michgan head coach Sherrone Moore is starting to come under fire. Charles Woodson said Michigan's loss was "ugly from the start." Other former players even suggested the Wolverines go back to Biff Poggi.
James Franklin was fired on Sunday, just weeks after being ranked in the top five. So is it crazy to think Sherrone Moore could be on the hot seat sooner than expected?
Could 8-win season mean trouble for Sherrone Moore?
According to Josh Pate, a change could occur if Michigan football finishes with a record of 9-3 or 8-4.
"That's not going to be good enough for some people at Michigan," Pate said on YouTube. "If it's 9-3 or 8-4, I'm not telling you how I feel about it. Coaching changes are always a last resort for me. In this day and age, more than ever. I don't think that's where Michigan's head is at. I think there are some people around the Michigan program that would look at 9-3 and would certainly look at 8-4, and say, 'We're making a change.' I'm telling you if that happens, don't be too surprised."
As a Michigan fan, I'm skeptical. The Wolverines don't make rash decisions. A loss to Ohio State, coupled with an 8-4 record would probably have Moore on the hot seat heading into next season, or at least with some added pressure, but I find it hard to believe he would be fired.
Things need to change, though. Staff changes will certainly be happening this offseason if the record is 8-4. The next five games are winnable, they can also be lost, and that includes Michigan State. Don't think for a second that's a guaranteed win.
If Michigan, which has struggled on the road, stumbles in that game, and lost "The Game" that would create a scenario where I could believe it's possible. But there are plenty of other factors, such as the development of Bryce Underwood.
The kid is a weapon, but the offense isn't being called the way. Michigan just keeps playing it safe. I'd rather see a rash of mistakes and big plays than the offense going into a turtle shell, which seems to keep happening in big moments.
There are six games to go. A strong finish would fend off this narrative, yet another loss or two, and maybe what Pate is suggesting won't sound so crazy.