Michigan football fans didn't know exactly what to expect from the first season of Kyle Whittingham as the head coach, but it certainly wasn't this.
The Wovlerines lack discipline. They can't run the football, and leaked text messages from players are getting out to the media. Now, those leaked text messages might have a point about the offense, yet it's not a great look for the first-year head coach.
Remember when Whittingham said "you will become us, we will not become you." How's that going?
On the play-calling front, Jason Beck might have taken that approach a little too literally. He's been Michigan's biggest problem, although Bryce Underwood has to play better. There's no denying that.
Michigan doesn't look like Michigan. It really hasn't since Jim Harbaugh left. Will the Wolverines figure things out during the bye week? We can only hope. The schedule is a gauntlet, and here is our game-by-game prediction for how the last seven games will go.
Penn State (W)
In a battle of underachieving head coaches, Matt Campbell and Kyle Whittingham can compare notes about how doing more with more is actually a lot harder than people realize.
Anthony Becht will struggle against the Michigan defense. Bryce Underwood will play well enough to keep his job and Michigan wins the game by double digits.
Prediction: Michigan 31, Penn State 10
Indiana (L)
The Hoosiers will come to Ann Arbor on October 24th. Michigan has the ability to keep this game close. However, Indiana is really good at creating pressure while only rushing four. They also like to run more simulated pressure than anyone in college football.
That means even if Indiana sends just four, they could be coming from different spots. That sounds like a bad matchup for Underwood and the Michigan offensive line.
The Hoosiers are the kind of team Michigan used to be under Harbaugh. They will beat the Wolverines by two touchdowns.
Prediction: Indiana 31, Michigan 17
At Rutgers (W)
Playing at Rutgers on Halloween could be a scary proposition for the Wolverines. This is one of two games on the schedule that Kyle Whittingham can't lose. The Scarlet Knights played USC tough. It also feels like the kind of game where Michigan will overlook its opponent.
Michigan will win, but it could be ugly. We might even see Tommy Carr for a series or two.
Prediction: Michigan 28, Rutgers 20
Michigan State (W)
The Spartans have Pat Fitzergald, they just don't have a ton of talent. The offensive line is Ok. That's probably the best thing you can say about Michigan State. In two Big Ten games, they have been outscored 62-16. That's by Wisconsin and Nebraska, two teams not known as juggernauts.
The 17-point loss to Notre Dame is still the high point of the season. Michigan better make sure it stays that way. Sherrone Moore is the only first-year Michigan football head coach to beat the Spartans. Whittingham better make that two, or he could truly be on the hot seat.
At Oregon (L)
Michigan doesn't play well on the West Coast. Oregon is loaded. Dante Moore should be back. If the Wolverines were playing Dylan Raiola, they might have a better chance. He's just too stationary in the pocket.
However, this was penciled in as a loss even when we thought Michigan was going to be good. Just like Indiana, it's hard to see the Wolverines having a chance to win at the end.
Prediction: Oregon 30, Michigan 14
UCLA (W)
The Bruins are ranked 21st. Michigan fans have to be like, why couldn't the Wolverines have hired Bob Chesney?
Well, he was just hired by UCLA by the time Michigan even knew it was going to have an opening. He looks like a home run for the Bruins, who are undefeated. They will play Oregon this weekend, so we'll find out how for real they are, but so far, so good.
That being said, Michigan will win this game. Cross-country trips are hard. The earlier this game is the better, and as long as Jason Beck how figured out how to run the ball in a traditional sense, the Wolverines should be able to win this game.
Michigan's defense is still really damn good. It's championship level actually, just like in 2024, but the offense might actually be worse than 2024, which is hard to believe. At least that team could run the ball.
Prediction: Michigan 27, UCLA 17
At Ohio State (L)
If Michigan football could figure out its offense, it might be able to give the Buckeyes a game. The secondary is probably one of the few in college football capable of matching up against the Buckeyes.
Jeremiah Smith has tormented college football. He does have two touchdown receptions against the Wolverines, but he's been held in check for the most part.
Michigan would need to be able to play bully ball. That means probably about 200 yards rushing and a strong day from Underwood. The defense can keep this game competitive, but the offense will waste too many opportunities, as it did in 2026.
Prediction: Ohio State 27, Michigan 13
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