Pundits, fans, and anyone who saw the end of the Michigan football game against Indiana on Saturday had to be wondering what Sherrone Moore was doing in the final minutes.
Michigan football was in a dire sitatuion after a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter against Indiana. The Hoosiers led 20-15 at the time and had taken over the ball in Michigan territory.
Still, the Wolverines had three timeouts, and a three-and-out could have given them a final shot, however, improbable tying the game was. But Moore allowed over 20 seconds to tick off the clock before calling a timeout, making you wonder what he was thinking about as the seconds ticked away.
Indiana eventually got the first down and ran out the clock. It likely would have anyway but it was just another example of the Michigan football coaching staff failing the players. Local and national media members are ripping Moore for it too. Adam Rittenberg of ESPN even called it, "Coaching malpractice."
Moore was asked about it afterward and his explanation is also hard to fathom.
"Conversations of what the play call was going to be and what we were going to do. That's what it all came down to," he said via Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.
It seems like play call discussions could have been held during the timeout. There really isn't a valid excuse. It makes you feel bad for the players who have continued to battle. None of them have quit, which is impressive in its own right.
"Three time-outs, when are you gonna use 'em?"
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 10, 2024
"That cost them almost 30 seconds to decide on that play."
"That's like gold. That's just precious gold ticking away."
Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson were critical of Sherrone Moore at the end of Michigan's loss to Indiana. pic.twitter.com/Z5mRdQ62IU
wtf Sherrone Moore? Are you joking? Turn in your keys to the building.
— Michael Spath (@MichaelSpathITH) November 10, 2024
But the Michigan football coaching staff keeps failing them and Saturday was the greatest example yet. The Wolverines held the second-ranked scoring offense in college football to 20. Michigan also held them under 300 yards, but when you make scoring seem harder than pulling teeth, does it even matter?
The Wolverines are 5-5 and have only managed 300 yards of total offense three times this season. They have also wasted a defense that might have four first-round picks.
Call it what you will, but the pundits seem to be barking up the right tree.