JOE MILTON

So had Dylan McCaffrey, another promising high school quarterback Harbaugh had recruited. For the first time, McNamara and Michigan had to throw their way to a win — and they were able to. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) escapes a diving tackle by Western Michigan linebacker Corvin Moment (20) in the fourth quarter of their college football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Now, the question everyone wants an answer to: Where does the Michigan coaching staff stand on McNamara and McCarthy? It would also give the staff some additional time and live game reps to let McNamara and McCarthy duke it out against real competition.

More than a dozen players transferred out of the Michigan football program this offseason, but three in particular stood out as high-profile losses.

It didn’t take long for ex-Michigan quarterback Ren Hefley to get acclimated with his new team. Hefley never saw the field in two years at Michigan before entering the NCAA transfer portal in May. Five of his touchdown passes were 25 yards or longer. He broke the FCS record of nine, set by Mississippi Valley State’s Willie Totten in 1984 and tied by Portland State’s Drew Hubel in 2007. He completed 11 of 23 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown in a 38-6 win over Bowling Green.

Tennessee first-year coach Josh Heupel is turning to a former Wolverine to open the season as the team’s starting quarterback. Heupel, who spent the previous three years at Central Florida, announced Monday that ex-Michigan quarterback Joe Milton will start behind center for the Volunteers in their opener Thursday against Bowling Green. He did not throw a touchdown pass the final three games he started while completing less than 50% of his throws. However, Milton also brings size (6-foot-5, 244 pounds) and a strong arm to the position. In three years at Michigan, Milton was 86-for-152 passing for 1,194 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions.

That left Michigan with McNamara, the presumed returning starter, as the leader of an inexperienced quarterback group that combined for just one collegiate start. “Looked around and really liked that (Bowman) had played and played well in games. More: Cade McNamara tops Michigan’s QB depth chart ahead of fall camp“He’s a newcomer, but he’s probably our most veteran quarterback,” Gattis said. “Alan played early, had a ton of success early in his career there at Texas Tech. And to make the climb even higher for Bowman, McNamara was anointed the starter after Michigan wrapped up its spring practice schedule.

Another Michigan football player in the transfer portal is headed to the University of Tennessee. Linebacker William Mohan, who entered his name into the NCAA-hosted database in April, announced Thursday on social media that he has committed to play for the Volunteers beginning in 2021. Thank you God & GO VOLS”Mohan joins former Michigan teammate Joe Milton, who has since landed in Knoxville after entering the transfer portal back in February. Fifteen scholarship Michigan players have entered the NCAA transfer portal since the 2020 season concluded, with Mohan becoming the 12th to land at another school. Only punter Will Hart, defensive lineman Philip Paea and running back Gaige Garcia, who entered the portal earlier this week, have yet to find a new home.

Familiar names in new places this fall could reshape the landscape for some college football programs, starting with Jack Coan at Notre Dame.

If you’re counting on Donovan Edwards to make a huge splash running the football this fall, you might want to temper your expectations a bit. “Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins are two tremendous players,” Harbaugh told host Jon Jansen. “That’s where a bulk of the carries are going to go. In six games, four running backs had at least 15 carries — while quarterback Joe Milton was second with 38. He said Edwards played in the Michigan state championship game in January with a cast on his hand to protect an injured thumb.

The former Michigan quarterback is planning to transfer to the University of Tennessee this summer, according to a report Monday by Rocky Top Insider, a website devoted to covering the Volunteers, citing multiple unidentified sources. Milton has not yet announced the move, but a Joe Milton is currently listed in the school’s online directory. Because Milton is set to graduate, he’ll automatically be eligible to play for Tennessee this fall. In a post on social media, Reynolds announced his commitment to Utah State. Like Milton, Reynolds plans to graduate from Michigan this semester, making him immediately eligible to play in 2021.

Michigan linebacker William Mohan has entered the NCAA transfer portal, a team spokesperson confirmed to MLive Monday night. The sophomore becomes the second Wolverine to enter the portal Monday and the ninth since the start of the year. With Mike Macdonald taking over as defensive coordinator this offseason and ditching the Viper role -- a staple under previous coordinator Don Brown -- Mohan’s status on the team became uncertain. His pending departure is another blow to the team’s depth as it gets set to wrap up spring practices later this week. Two other linebackers also have entered the portal this offseason: Ben VanSumeren and Adam Shibley.

Michigan eventually granted the starting job to redshirt sophomore Joe Milton, who’s unique arm strength and stature weren’t enough to overcome faults in his play. By the end of the six-game schedule, McNamara had claimed the starting job — a move some wondered could stretch into 2021. “The quarterbacks have done a really good job of doing what we’re asking them to do,” Gattis said. They’ve done a really good job as a group pushing each other.”More: QB Cade McNamara takes command early in springBut McNamara could have challengers for the starting job this offseason. Related: Michigan dips into transfer portal for ready-to-play QB“Joe did a lot of good things,” Gattis said.

Quarterback Alan Bowman #10 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders looks to pass during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Texas Tech quarterback Alan Bowman indicated on Twitter on Sunday that he is transferring to Michigan. Bowman, who announced in January that he was entering the transfer portal as a grad transfer, wrote “Lets get to work!! He played in 19 games for Texas Tech across three seasons. Milton entered the transfer portal, and Bowman would give the Wolverines an experienced option, assuming he's able to play for them immediately.

Jim Harbaugh brushed off a question Thursday about the increasing number of quarterbacks to depart Michigan under his watch, pointing to the ease and popularity of transferring in the current climate. “I mean, you can point to — there’s been a trend in college football that way. But if there is one common thread among the quarterback departures at Michigan, it’s playing time. While Milton later won the starting job in 2020, he lost it five games into the abbreviated season to redshirt freshman Cade McNamara. McNamara, a four-star prospect in Harbaugh’s 2018 recruiting class, is the frontrunner to win the starting job this fall — especially after the expected departure of Milton.

Another quarterback is set to depart Michigan, calling into question Jim Harbaugh’s ability to develop the position. It’s been a talking point for detractors in recent years, but Joe Milton is now the third straight quarterback Harbaugh recruited out of high school to transfer from the program. On this episode of “Wolverine Confidential,” MLive’s Aaron McMann and Ryan Zuke discuss the timing, where that leaves Michigan’s quarterback situation this offseason and Milton’s interesting tenure in Ann Arbor. With Milton out of the equation, can Harbaugh win with Cade McNamara or J.J. McCarthy? Listen to the podcast via the embedded player below (click here if you can’t see it) or search “Wolverine Confidential” on your preferred podcasting platform.

As if they need more ammo, critics of Jim Harbaugh took to social media this week amid news that another quarterback he recruited to Michigan was transferring. Meanwhile, the results with Harbaugh’s 2017 and 2018 quarterback recruits, both four-star prospects out of high school, have been similar. Harbaugh has had much better success in the transfer market, plucking quarterbacks with years under their belt at the college level and inserting them in at Michigan. Harbaugh also relied on another transfer, John O’Korn from Houston, to help plug the gap at quarterback in 2016 and 2017. Which brings us back to Milton, the third straight high school quarterback recruited to Michigan under Harbaugh to transfer.

Joe Milton became the sixth when he announced Thursday that he is transferring. I have bonds with my brothers that will last forever, I have decided to enter the transfer portal As a Grad transfer with three years of eligibility. Michigan QB Joe Milton enters transfer portal, creating more questions for Jim Harbaugh (Yahoo)2021 College football odds: Cade McNamara favored as starting QB over J.J. McCarthy following Joe Milton transfer (Sportsline)Joe Milton would be the 3rd QB to start at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh and later transfer, joining Wilton Speight and Brandon Peters. Ohio State has had 1 such QB transfer in the last 50 years (Austin Moherman in 1999). I don't think we've heard the last word from Joe Milton yet.

Michigan quarterback Joe Milton throws a pass during the first quarter of the team's NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football quarterback Joe Milton announced Thursday that he will transfer. pic.twitter.com/PeANE2vWmD — Joe milton #5 (@Qbjayy7) February 18, 2021Milton, an impending redshirt junior, began the 2020 season as Michigan’s starting quarterback. Even though he spent three years with the Wolverines, Milton will have three years of eligibility remaining. The 2020 season didn’t count against player eligibility, and Milton also had a redshirt season.

A second Michigan quarterback is mulling an offseason transfer, paving the way for a two-man showdown for the starting job this fall. Joe Milton, who began the 2020 season as the Wolverines’ starting quarterback, has entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal, he announced on Thursday. I have bonds with my brothers that will last forever, I have decided to enter the transfer portal As a Grad transfer with three years of eligibility. Milton joins fellow Michigan quarterback Dylan McCaffrey to enter the transfer portal this offseason, after McCaffrey opted out of playing the 2020 season with an eye toward transferring. McCaffrey recently announced plans to transfer to the University of Northern Colorado, an FCS school coached by his father, Ed.

A year ago, Shea Patterson was departing and there was great unknown as to who would take snaps from behind center for the Michigan football team. The Wolverines’ secondary had trouble had defending MSU quarterback Rocky Lombardi and his receivers all game, putting Michigan in a precarious situation late in the game. Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara (12) throws a pass in the fourth quarter of their Big Ten football game against Wisconsin at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, November 14, 2020. But Harbaugh declined to name him Michigan’s starting quarterback — instead saying he would re-open the quarterback competition. Also, former five-star recruit J.J. McCarthy, the highest-ranked quarterback to attend Michigan during the Harbaugh era, is on campus after enrolling early in January.

Michigan quarterback Joe Milton can be spotted wearing a cast on his right hand in a video posted to social media overnight. The video was posted to the platform’s “story” feature, meaning it will disappear from public consumption within 24 hours. A Michigan spokesman chose not to comment, but Jim Harbaugh told ABC’s broadcasting team before the Wolverines’ Nov. 28 game against Penn State that Milton had been dealing with an undisclosed injury. Interestingly enough, the Indiana game is also when Milton — a redshirt sophomore — began wearing a wrap on his right thumb. Milton sported a wrap on this right thumb during every game after that, sometimes disguising it with dark blue or black tape.

And so hopefully, they’ve made the right choice this time and that he will upgrade the position.”RELATED: What to expect from Michigan football during early signing periodMilton, the No. 9 pro-style quarterback in the 2018 class, was Harbaugh’s first quarterback recruit to open a season as the starter during his six-year tenure in Ann Arbor. 6 pro-style quarterback in the 2016 class, started four games in 2017, while Cade McNamara, ranked No. IMG won all six games that the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder quarterback started this season by at least 31 points. MORE: Michigan football back practicing, with plans to play Iowa‘Negative recruiting’ won’t stop at Michigan until resolution on Harbaugh’s future, ESPN analyst saysWhy is 6th-place Michigan playing 2nd-place Iowa in Big Ten football’s final week?

Cade McNamara failed to provide the Wolverines much of a first-half spark Saturday, with Michigan falling behind again and trailing Penn State, 17-7, at halftime. McNamara is 5 of 8 for 31 yards but had to come out of the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. He has since returned, but backup Joe Milton led Michigan (2-3) to two shortened drives that failed to net any points. Meanwhile, quarterback Sean Clifford has commanded a balanced Penn State offense, one that 241 total yards and 130 on the ground. PSU kicker Jordan Stout missed a 49-yard field goal wide right, and only gave up a field goal late in the second quarter after Mike Sainristil fumbled a punt return at the 25-yard line.

Michigan’s Erick All has his confidence back. The sophomore tight end nearly had as many dropped passes (four) than receptions (five) in the first three games of the season. I just felt like I just needed to trust myself, and once I found that trust in the Rutgers game, I felt confident. “Believe it or not, that (drop) in the game, probably was like the first time I’ve dropped the ball the whole season. “We’ve got full confidence in his abilities, so we’ll just continue to work those little things with him.”Get Wolverine Confidential texts straight to your phone from our Michigan football writers.

Michigan’s coaching staff knew it wouldn’t be easy — and slowly but surely it’s been able to carve out roles for its stable of running backs. Haskins leads the team with 274 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. “Hassan was really running the ball well, and making yards where there were no yards to be made,” head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Monday. “The backs, they’re tall talented,” Gattis said. “Coach, we just want to help the team,” Harbaugh said.

Michigan’s top two coaches did their best to show public confidence in Joe Milton this week, even after the struggling quarterback was pulled from the game against Rutgers over the weekend. Milton was 5 of 12 for 89 yards before coming out of the game for McNamara, a redshirt freshman, with Michigan already trailing 17-0. During his first drive on Saturday, McNamara hit Johnson on a 46-yard touchdown pass that provided a spark to the Michigan offense. “The biggest thing for Joe is to now understand that this is not anything that all fell on his plate. This is not a switch at quarterback to make it look like we’re placing the blame on Joe Milton.”Gattis continued: “Because Joe Milton has played good football for us, and done a lot of positive things.

By the time Michigan safety Daxton Hill intercepted Rutgers quarterback Noah Vedral in the end zone to seal a 48-42 victory, Saturday night had turned into Sunday morning. The Wolverines needed triple overtime to outlast the Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey and snap a three-game losing streak. The Scarlet Knights drove 75 yards for a touchdown and two-point conversion to tie the game at 35 with 27 seconds remaining. Here is what’s being said nationally about Michigan’s wild victory against a Rutgers team that has one Big Ten win since the 2017. (Sporting News)Greg Schiano overtime gaffe let Jim Harbaugh, Michigan off the hook (Asbury Park Press)What was Rutgers’ Greg Schiano thinking with his strategy to set up for a long field goal in OT loss to Michigan?

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Jim Harbaugh entered Saturday’s game against Rutgers with the plan of trying to play both quarterbacks. “Just really, play by play, drive by drive,” said McNamara, who completed 27 of his 36 pass attempts for 260 yards and four touchdowns. Trust in his teammates — he thanked Michigan’s offensive line for the protection — and his coaches, who elected to start Milton after they opened the position up in practice this week. “His first drive of the game was a touchdown,” Harbaugh emphasized. McNamara even used his showed off his legs, rushing two yards for a touchdown to help match Rutgers’ second-overtime score.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Another slow start from the Michigan football team has netted it another scoreboard deficit and forced it change quarterbacks. The Wolverines, losers of three straight games, trails Rutgers 17-7 at halftime at SHI Stadium and entered the locker room with Cade McNamara taking snaps behind center. McNamara, a redshirt freshman, led Michigan’s only scoring possession of the game, a three-play, 63-yard touchdown drive highlighted by a 46-yard completion to receiver Cornelius Johnson. Quarterback Noah Vedral is 14 of 21 for 163 yards, and hasn’t faced much pressure from the Michigan defense. Meanwhile, Michigan continues to get little production from its run game.

Michigan 48, Rutgers 42SECOND OVERTIMEMichigan drive starts on Rutgers 25The Wolverines answered Rutgers’ touchdown to send the game to a third overtime. Michigan 35, Rutgers 3511:17 – Michigan drive starts on own 15What a drive from Michigan. Michigan 35, Rutgers 2713:32 – Rutgers drive starts on own 19LB Josh Ross had a pivotal sack to push Rutgers back for a second-and-21. Michigan 28, Rutgers 27THIRD QUARTER1:57 – Michigan drive starts on own 29A Rutgers facemask penalty put Michigan into Scarlet Knights territory. Rutgers 7, Michigan 04:26 – Michigan drive starts on own 28Not a good offensive possession right after Rutgers takes the lead.

Michigan already is at the halfway point of its 2020 regular season, and the results haven’ been pretty. With four games down and four more to play, here is Michigan’s position-by-position midseason report card. Redshirt sophomore Cade McNamara played a few snaps in the opener and replaced Milton in the second half of Saturday’s game against Wisconsin. He led the team on its only touchdown drive of the game, completing all three passes for 74 yards. Wolverines recruiting report: Why Wisconsin weekend was still a success for MichiganOne of the few bright spots for Michigan’s defense in 2020?

Michigan’s quarterback position began as a three-man race during the offseason and soon dwindled to one, with gunslinger Joe Milton reportedly winning the job outright in the weeks leading up to the opener at Minnesota. McNamara doesn’t have the height or size advantage that Milton has, nor the same ability to escape the pocket. Whether that plays a role in the coaching staff’s decision this weekend remains to be seen, but Milton and McNamara offer two different skillsets. Milton, when he’s playing well, offers the total package: A big body who can escape the pocket and deliver the deep ball. The fact that Harbaugh was publicly willing to declare the quarterback position open this week suggests that he’s pointing to McNamara.

Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff have a decision to make at quarterback this week. Do they stick with Joe Milton for another game, or give Cade McNamara the ball for Saturday’s game at Rutgers? On the latest “Wolverine Confidential” podcast, MLive’s Aaron McMann, Andrew Kahn and Ryan Zuke bring you up to speed on Michigan’s quarterback dilemma, the merits of each player and discuss the upside (and potential ramifications) of choosing one over the other. You can listen to the latest episode in the embedded player below, by clicking here or by searching “Wolverine Confidential” on your preferred podcasting platform.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Is the Joe Milton era over before Michigan football even got halfway through a shortened season? Milton was pulled late in the third quarter against Wisconsin with the Wolverines trailing 35-3, and backup quarterback Cade McNamara came in to lead a touchdown drive. Cade McNamara #12 of the Michigan Wolverines throws a second half past against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (2020 Getty Images)On the first play, McNamara fired a strike over the middle to Ronnie Bell for a 23-yard gain. Michigan has insisted McNamara could be a starting caliber quarterback, and he sure looked like it for four plays.

After an offseason that pitted three players against one another for Michigan’s starting quarterback position, the competition has been reopened. Jim Harbaugh made the announcement on Monday, two days after Michigan suffered its worst loss of the Jim Harbaugh era, a 49-11 blowout to No. After the game, Harbaugh left the door open for a change. Read more on Michigan football:Recruiting tracker: Michigan commits play big in district title gamesQB controversy brewing? Plus 3 other storylines we’re watching this weekBig Ten power rankings: Michigan, Michigan State sink into the abyssMichigan opens as betting favorite at RutgersReport card: Fs galore after Michigan’s loss to Wisconsin

Michigan’s season is spiraling out of control. The end result was a 49-11 loss, the program’s most lopsided loss at home in 85 years. But Michigan should have an opportunity to snap its skid this week when it travels to 1-3 Rutgers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Michigan, Harbaugh garnering national attentionThe Wolverines' dismal start continues to generate national headlines. Get Wolverine Confidential texts straight to your phone from our Michigan football writers.

He also missed a wide-open Blake Corum on a wheel route in the second quarter that would be been a sure touchdown that could have gave Michigan some life. Grade: F.Running backsMichigan was held to under 50 yards rushing for a second straight game and is getting no explosive plays from the group right now. Grade: FSecondaryWith its run game working, Wisconsin didn’t need to attack Michigan’s inexperienced secondary down field. Turner, who replaced the injured Gemon Green for a few plays in the second quarter. Giles Jackson had two for 66 yards, including a 43-yarder, while Corum had two for 49, including a 32-yarder.

13 Wisconsin (2-0) never took its foot off the gas in a 49-11 victory, handing Michigan (1-3) its third straight loss. 13 Badgers smash Wolverines for easy road win (CBS Sports)Michigan destroyed by No. 13 Wisconsin in latest embarrassing loss for Jim Harbaugh (Yahoo)After another disheartening loss, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh vows to evaluate ‘everything that we’re doing’ (ESPN)Back in business: Wisconsin Badgers firing on all cylinders in historic rout of Michigan Wolverines (Wisconsin State Journal)No. 13 Wisconsin routs Michigan 49-11 in 1st game in 3 weeks (Associated Press)Penn State or Michigan: Which Big Ten power has been the bigger flop in 2020? (Sporting News)Jim Harbaugh’s awful season continues (Yahoo)Badgers QB Graham Mertz shakes off rust to lead Wisconsin past Michigan Wolverines (Wisconsin State Journal)Not much else to say about Jim Harbaugh's Michigan team.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Amid a lengthy, self-reflective post-game reaction to his team’s lopsided loss to Wisconsin Saturday night, Jim Harbaugh made a vow. A reevaluation of the Michigan football program is coming in the next few days — and it includes every facet. Because it can only be (these) three things: What you’re doing, how you’re doing it and who’s doing it. “We’re going to go back and go through everything that you’re doing,” Harbaugh said. Which has a beaten and broken down Harbaugh talking about his program’s “process.”“That’s going to be our training,” Harbaugh said.

The 13th-ranked Badgers (2-0) outgained the Wolverines (1-3) 468 yards to 219 in their 49-11 victory at Michigan Stadium. “It takes away the opportunity of being able to play fast,” sophomore receiver Mike Sainristil said of the interceptions. While the first-year starter flashed glimpses of his potential in the first three games, Milton never found a rhythm against the Badgers. The Badgers scored on their next possession for a 42-11 lead, while Michigan managed zero yards on its final two drives. MORE: After hot start, Wisconsin wanted to ‘kill the will’ of Michigan footballJim Harbaugh: Michigan ‘not in a good place’ after third straight lossMichigan football hits new low in blowout loss to Wisconsin

Michigan lost the game, 49-11, to a 13th-ranked Wisconsin team that had not played a game in over three weeks. Despite the layoff, Wisconsin took advantage of a pair of mistakes early on by Michigan, off to its first 1-3 start to a season since 1967. Wisconsin carved up Michigan’s new-look defensive line, rushing for 341 yards and five touchdowns while amassing 468 yards of total offense. It was the most rushing yards allowed by the Wolverines since last year’s 35-14 loss to the Badgers (359). The Michigan offense showed signs of life in the second quarter, marching 74 yards on 13 plays to the Badgers' 1-yard line before turning the football over on downs.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — If there was a way to help Wisconsin dust off the cobwebs from not playing in more than three weeks, Michigan found it. 13 Wisconsin on Saturday, coughing the ball up twice and failing to generate any offense in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Badgers capitalized on Michigan’s mistakes en route to a 28-0 halftime lead. Quarterback Joe Milton threw interceptions on back-to-back drives setting Wisconsin up with favorable field position and easy opportunities to score. Six Wisconsin players have combined to rush for 143 yards against a depleted Michigan defensive line, one that is without starting ends Aidan Hutchinson and Kwity Paye.

Wisconsin 49, Michigan 119:36 – Michigan drive start on own 25That Cade McNamara efficiency from the first drive faded quickly. Wisconsin 35, Michigan 39:04 – Michigan drive starts on own 4The Wolverines went three-and-out deep in their own territory. Wisconsin 28, Michigan 312:52 – Wisconsin drive starts on own 25Michigan had another takeaway overturned upon review. Wisconsin 28, Michigan 010:07 – Michigan drive starts on own 25It was still ugly at times, but Michigan found the end zone for the first time tonight. Wisconsin 21, Michigan 0FIRST QUARTER4:30 – Wisconsin drive starts on own 40Michigan has had no answer for Wisconsin’s jet sweeps.

The Wolverines lost to a bad Michigan State team and were completely outclassed by Indiana. Here’s how Michigan could win or lose every single game between now and Ohio State. Even last week’s Ohio State loss was respectable, as Rutgers scored 27 points on the Buckeyes and only lost by 22. Penn StateHow Michigan could win: A one-point loss to Indiana is understandable, as is losing to Ohio State. This could be reminiscent of the 2014 night game, when a bad Michigan team beat a bad Penn State team in an ugly 18-13 battle that didn’t have any significance.

On Saturday, the same issues that plagued Michigan against MSU were problematic once again in a 38-21 loss to Indiana. Not only was it Michigan’s second straight loss, but it also snapped a 24-game win streak against the 13th-ranked Hoosiers (3-0). Sophomore tight end Erick All had a blatant drop for the third straight game, while senior tight end Nick Eubanks also had a costly drop. Michigan went without a sack for a second straight game and also jumped offsides five times in the first half, resulting in four Indiana completions. Grade: D+SecondaryMichigan’s defensive backs, especially its cornerbacks, got shredded by opposing wideouts for a second straight week.

Indiana 38, Michigan 2112:28 – Indiana drive starts on Michigan 29The Hoosiers take advantage of the Joe Milton interception. Indiana 31, Michigan 2113:43 – Indiana drive starts on own 25Michigan forced the three-and-out and did so with less than 30 seconds coming off the clock. Indiana 24, Michigan 75:17 – Indiana drive starts on own 4Michael Penix continues to gash Michigan’s secondary. Indiana 24, Michigan 76:53 – Michigan drive starts on own 25Yet another three-and-out for Michigan after another bad drop from TE Erick All. Indiana 14, Michigan 74:48 – Indiana drive starts on own 25Been the same story for Michigan’s defense as last week.

READ: Will Michigan lose to Indiana for first time in 33 years this weekend? If Michigan can take care of the ball and get the running game back on track, it will be able to score on this Indiana defense. Don Brown couldn’t manufacture any pressure against Michigan State, and that was a death knell for the entire defense. Michigan is hoping to get back some players who were injured during the Michigan State game. But the most likely outcome feels like Indiana breaking the 24-game losing streak and beating Michigan for the first time since 1987.

Michigan, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from a surprising home loss to Michigan State. Michigan offense vs. Indiana defenseAs covered here previously, Michigan quarterback Joe Milton was not as poised and efficient in his second start, last week against Michigan State, as he was in his first. Indiana offense vs Michigan defenseTwo former Wolverines will help Indiana craft its offensive game plan against Michigan. Given Michigan’s struggles against the pass, particularly the deep ball, vs. Michigan State, the Hoosiers figure to go to the air early and often. More Michigan football content:Wolverine Confidential podcast: Will Michigan bounce back vs. Indiana?

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – There’s no sugarcoating it: Last week was a shocking, unmitigated disaster for the Michigan football program. Not only did Michigan lose to Michigan State, it also lost several players to injury during the game. READ: Will Michigan lose to Indiana for first time in 33 years this weekend? What Michigan really needs, more than anything, is to return to the field and get back in the win column. Milton wasn’t terrible against Michigan State, but he missed some throws that really could have opened up the offense.

Michigan’s offense began the game Saturday against Michigan State with an unsuccessful first drive, a sequence of three plays that netted the Wolverines a total of minus-5 yards. That puts pressure on Milton, a first-year starter at quarterback, and an inexperienced offensive line that only faced eight third-down plays in the opener against Minnesota. Additionally, a 15-yard completion to Giles Jackson on third-and-10 in the third quarter helped Michigan move the sticks into MSU territory, but two straight plays of zeros gains and a false-start penalty forced Michigan to punt. “I want to say we had about 12 third-down (and 7-to-10 yards) plays,” Gattis said. But to be successful moving forward, Gattis and Michigan’s offense knows it needs to stay out of third-and-long situations.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – There are countless reasons for Michigan football fans to be discouraged after the team’s loss to Michigan State, but here are the six most alarming signs for the future. Ronnie Bell #8 of the Michigan Wolverines fails to receive a pass during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. When that changed Saturday against Michigan State, Milton struggled with accuracy down the field. MORE: Can Michigan salvage season after lifeless loss to Michigan State? Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Any hope for the Michigan football team to make a splash at the national level was dashed over the weekend in a loss to Michigan State. Anyone who watched Saturday’s in-state rivalry would have thought Michigan State was the team favored to win by three touchdowns. Michigan was expected to handle Michigan State well before it debuted in Minneapolis, though. Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (2020 Getty Images)At this point, the only remedy that could heal the wounds opened by this weekend’s loss would be an upset against Ohio State.

Year 6 of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan took another winding turn Saturday when his football team showed up to a near-empty Michigan Stadium matching the enthusiasm and pizzazz of the 614 in the crowd. More: Jim Harbaugh wants Michigan to ‘own the loss’ to MSU; players vow to move onBut that’s been the story of the Harbaugh tenure in Ann Arbor. His 48-19 record looks good on the surface, but some deeper digging shows an 3-3 mark against Michigan State, 0-5 record against Ohio State and four straight bowl losses. What is going to happen when Michigan plays Penn State or Ohio State later in the season? Read more on Michigan football:Joe Milton film review: Michigan QB shaky in second startSmallest Big House crowd ever watched Michigan-Michigan State gameMichigan, fresh off first loss, an early favorite at IndianaWolverines plummet in AP Top 25 poll after loss to MSUGrading Michigan’s loss to Michigan State: Low marks all around

Second drive: Milton throws on target to receiver Mike Sainristil on an out route, which gains four yards. Fifth drive: Milton pulls the ball away from his running back and keeps it, gaining 17 yards with his legs. That sets up third-and-10, and Milton hits Jackson between two defenders to pick up 15. 12th drive: Michigan is down 10 points and starting its drive on its own 7-yard line with 5:03 left. Milton hits All over the middle for 5, again having to get rid of it faster than he would have liked.

After a dominating performance in a Week 1 win against Minnesota, Michigan struggled in nearly every facet of the game in Saturday’s stunning 27-24 loss to Michigan State. Milton didn’t look as comfortable in the pocket Saturday, which partly can be attributed to the pressure MSU was getting. Milton didn’t have much success looking for his tight ends, however. While MSU only rushed for 3.3 yards per carry, Michigan only had two tackles for loss, which both came from linebackers. Michigan’s punters were busy, and Brad Robbins replaced Will Hart after he averaged just 37.8 yards on his four attempts.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan’s previous three drives had stalled, just one first down reached in each, when Hassan Haskins reached the Michigan State red zone with 4:48 to play in the second quarter. Quarterback Joe Milton had connected with receiver Giles Jackson on a 20-yard pass, Haskins busted what ended up being Michigan’s longest run play of the game, for 19 yards, before Milton hit fullback Ben Mason on a nine-yard pass play. Milton even picked up a five-yard gain on first down, setting up second-and-5 from the 11-yard line. They have been unreliable for Michigan in recent years, and often end up unsuccessful. “They were able to finish drives just a little bit better than we did,” Harbaugh said.

“Who’s that?” Joe Milton asked when asked after the game about Simmons. As a senior, returning starter and captain, Simmons has become the face of Michigan State’s defense in 2020. Simmons spoke mostly about his teammates and the Spartans' defense as a whole as he addressed reporters following the game. “It was just a focused week,” Simmons said. The play forced Michigan to kick a field goal effectively erased four points from their score.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Players reported a quiet, business-like locker room at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, just minutes after the 13th-ranked Wolverines were stunned by their in-state rivals. Michigan State, fresh off a seven-turnover loss to Rutgers at home, was able to keep it together and score enough deep passes to stun Michigan, 27-24, at Michigan Stadium. Afterward, head coach Jim Harbaugh said his team was “going to own this” loss while offering his congratulations to Michigan State, which scored its first win under first-year head coach Mel Tucker. “We’ve got to own the loss and come back and find out where we can improve,” Harbaugh said. I believe they’ll do just that.”Harbaugh, whose record against MSU as Michigan head coach fell to 3-3, challenged each player and coach to self-reflect on what they could have done better.

4:23 – Michigan drive starts on own 25Another costly penalty derailed a promising Wolverines drive. MSU 20, Michigan 178:00 – MSU drive starts on own 21Michigan standout defensive end Kwity Paye was injured on the drive. MSU 20, Michigan 1712:26 – Michigan drive starts on own 25The Wolverines' talented freshmen were heavily featured on the 11-play touchdown drive. MSU 17, Michigan 1015:00 – Michigan drive starts on own 29Rough drive for the Wolverines to open the second half. STORY: Daxton Hill, Nick Eubanks in uniform for Michigan vs. MSU- MSU WR Tre Mosley is in uniform.

Michigan and Michigan State will kick off their annual rivalry with a noon game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. It’s a new era for the rivalry, with first-year Michigan State coach Mel Tucker making his debut in the matchup. Here’s everything you need to know:GAME INFORMATION* Who: Michigan State (0-1) vs. No. 13 Michigan (1-0)* When: 12:05 p.m.* Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor* TV: FOX. * Rocky Lombardi made his first trip to Michigan Stadium 22 years ago, as a 1-month old watching his dad coach for Eastern Michigan.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – This has probably been the quietest week leading up to a Michigan vs. Michigan State football game in a decade. Comparing Michigan, Michigan State by position: Do Spartans have advantage anywhere? That’s why I’m picking Michigan to win its third straight against Michigan State this weekend. RIVALRY PREVIEW: Michigan has to avoid overlooking massive underdog Michigan StateI don’t think Michigan takes this rivalry for granted anymore, so Michigan State should have the team’s full attention. Michigan State will improve from last week, and there’s almost no chance it turns the ball over another seven times.

Here are some of the most positive takeaways from the performance, as well as a few concerns. On Ben Mason’s touchdown, Milton tossed a little dump-down pass that looked simple enough but gave Mason the corner to get to the pylon. But he also returned a kickoff 66 yards to set up a Michigan touchdown. Michigan didn’t necessarily get better at wide receiver by losing Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones, but this year’s group has a different look, and it might end up being a net positive. Like Nordin, Hill is expected to return to practice this week after he was removed from the Minnesota game with an undisclosed injury.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The debut of the 2020 Michigan football team was certainly worth the wait Saturday, as it went into Minneapolis and dominated No. Since Harbaugh returned to Ann Arbor in 2015, Michigan has dominated too many good teams to count on one hand. Sept. 26, 2015: Michigan beats No. Oct. 10, 2015: Michigan beats No. There’s still a long road ahead for this Michigan team.

Michigan and Minnesota haven’t met since 2017, when the Wolverines walloped the Golden Gophers in a weather-delayed, soaking wet night game. Well, I’m about to break down four well-thought-out reasons why Michigan will lose to Minnesota, then I’m going to pick Michigan to win anyway. It’s like Minnesota picked up a “Michigan letdown game” appetizer menu and ordered an entire sampler platter. Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. At times last season, Michigan struggled to get pressure on the quarterback.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – There are 25 players on the Michigan football roster who received scholarship offers from Minnesota during their recruiting processes. TE Erick AllRecruiting profile: 4-star, No. OL Karsen BarnhartRecruiting profile: 4-star, No. HenningRecruiting profile: 4-star, No. DL Luiji VilainRecruiting profile: 4-star, No.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Joe Milton or Cade McNamara: Who will start at quarterback for Michigan football this weekend? Jim Harbaugh avoided making it official ahead of the opener vs. Minnesota. “He’s playing extremely well.”Most people around the program expect Milton to be Michigan’s starter. LATEST: Michigan vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on Halloween“Jim, just to clarify, are you saying Joe is going to start at quarterback on Saturday?” Harbaugh was asked during Monday’s press conference. From the outside, McNamara hasn’t been considered a serious contender for the starting job, but Harbaugh has surprised fans at the quarterback position before.

TRANSFER NEWS: Charles Thomas enters transfer portal as future linebacker room gets crowded“They have been through a lot,” Harbaugh said. I feel really good about them in terms of competitiveness, and oneness -- probably the most important thing. “A lot of really good leaders, a lot of guys who are really invested and a lot of guys who really like each other,” Harbaugh said. “(Nordin)'s in a real competitive battle with (Jake) Moody, who’s also doing a really good job, so it’s still playing out,” Harbaugh said. I feel the talent is really good, and I think they’ll all eventually see action, but those are really tight battles."

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Which pair of Michigan football players who share a jersey number will unite to be the most valuable this season? This year’s roster, with the new rule in place, has 45 duos who will wear the same jersey number. Some of the Michigan jersey number duos contain players who will contribute on different sides of the ball. 1: Both players must wear a jersey number for the entire season for their stats to qualify in favor of said jersey number. Other eligible duosHere are all the other jersey number duos listed on the 2020 Michigan football roster, as of Oct. 16.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The 2020 Michigan football season will kick off with a top 25 matchup under the lights. 24 Minnesota will begin at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota is one of four ranked teams on Michigan’s eight-game regular season schedule. One week after the opener against Minnesota, Jim Harbaugh’s team will host in-state rival Michigan State on Halloween. More Michigan football storiesPredictions:Lists:Player profiles:

In 2019, Michigan got major contributions from true freshmen Daxton Hill, Zach Charbonnet and Giles Jackson. 102 overall player, No. 123 overall player, No. Cornerback is a difficult position to play as a true freshman, but Michigan has a great need there this season. 484 overall player, No.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – How is Michigan football a top 20 team in the country without playing a single game? Of those 70 appearances, Michigan has been ranked in the top 20 a total of 73 times and the top 10 a total of 33 times. It’s littered with the biggest brands in college football, including Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Tennessee and the other obvious powerhouses. Since then, Texas, Texas A&M, UCF, Mississippi State and Oklahoma have all dropped below Michigan because of upset losses. Having two reliable pass rushers on the edges obviously helps Michigan’s defensive perception, even if there might be a weakness in between them.

As a potential first-round draft pick, Mayfield certainly belongs in Michigan’s MVP conversation, even though he won’t stuff any stat sheets as an O-lineman. Even if he doesn’t ultimately win team MVP, Mayfield could end up being the most important player. LB Cam McGroneCameron McGrone #44 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a fourth quarter sack against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. DE Kwity PayeKwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to sack Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Then they would both be candidates for team MVP.

If that loss is to Ohio State, Michigan would still have a rivalry win against Michigan State and three excellent wins against Minnesota, Wisconsin and Penn State. To get to Indy with two losses, Michigan would probably have to beat both Ohio State and Penn State. Penn State would have to beat Ohio State and lose another game, giving Michigan the head-to-head tiebreaker with both. Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin have had some really good quarterbacks the past decade. If it takes a couple bumps in the road during the 2020 season to buck that trend, so be it.

The Michigan Football Offseason Hype Train is standing room only, and it has a whole month to pick up speed. Like Isaac Newton said: When Michigan football hype is in motion, it stays in motion unless acted upon by a Buckeye, Badger or Nittany Lion. Joe Milton #5 of the Michigan Wolverines scores a fourth quarter touchdown while playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If he’s the quarterback who pushes Michigan football over the hump, celebrate him as Maize and Blue confetti rains from the rafters in Indianapolis. Let’s take a step back and let Joe Milton be Joe Milton.

Wide receiver attritionIt looks like the Wolverines will be without three of their top four wide receivers from a year ago. That trio, which highlighted the team’s top-five 2017 recruiting class, combined for 96 catches, 1,490 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns last season. So what would the receiving corps look like if Collins isn’t in the picture? NewcomersNo matter who comes and goes, Michigan is always going to bring in new playmakers at the wide receiver position. They don’t all need to be better than Collins, Peoples-Jones and Black.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football team have fought for a season since the moment the Big Ten announced football would be postponed. Michigan put a beating on Michigan State for the first time in a long time last year, dropping 44 points on the Spartans and running them out of Ann Arbor. Michigan outplayed Penn State on the road last season, a year after smacking the Nittany Lions by 35 points in Ann Arbor. Probably not a lot, but if Milton can be at least as good as Shea Patterson was last season, Michigan should be the favorite at home. Unless Milton emerges as a Heisman-level quarterback in his first season, Michigan probably won’t be competitive in this game.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Here is the new eight-game schedule for Michigan football as the Big Ten prepares to start its 2020 season in late October. Oct. 24: at MinnesotaOct. 31: vs. Michigan StateNov. 7: at IndianaNov. 14: vs. WisconsinNov. 21: at RutgersNov. 28: vs. Penn StateDec. 5: vs. MarylandDec. 12: at Ohio StateThe Wolverines are scheduled to begin the season Oct. 24 at Minnesota, which won 11 games last season. Michigan will play all six of its fellow East Division foes: Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers. Michigan’s 12-game schedule was originally cut down to 10 conference games, but that schedule lasted just six days before the conference postponed the season. Jim Harbaugh was among the most outspoken coaches in the country, publicly disagreeing with the decision to postpone football.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – What in the world is Michigan football going to look like next month? What does Michigan football look like without 100,000 fans in the Big House, or the Ohio State game on Thanksgiving weekend? But even beyond all the things that have made college football such an unusual topic this year, we really don’t know much about the actual Michigan football team. Joe Milton warms up before Michigan's game against Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 8, 2018, in Ann Arbor. Assuming the six East Division opponents -- Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers -- are all on Michigan’s schedule, that leaves two open spots for crossover games.