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Joel Klatt mashes panic button for Michigan: It’s ‘a dire spot right now’
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Joel Klatt isn’t beating around the bush as it pertains to Michigan’s outlook for the rest of the season under Sherrone Moore.
During the latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show,” FOX’s popular broadcaster tackled a number of teams and whether or not there is a cause for panic this season. As for the Wolverines?
Yeah, it’s 100% panic time.
“Boilerplate it: Joel, how do we feel about Michigan? I think it’s time for some alarm bells here. I think that this is panic time,” said Klatt. “Michigan is in a dire spot right now. Not only this season but maybe even looking forward.”
In Week 8, Michigan fell to Illinois with just 7 points scored and some horrific red zone issues. The Wolverines also struggled to hold onto the ball in losses to Texas and Washington, and it all flows back to one position offensively.
“What’s the current state of Michigan? The obvious is they’re getting no contribution from the QB, they’re getting no contribution from the passing game,” Klatt explained. “They’re 129th right now in passing offense… It’s far too predictable, their offense.”
Tight end Colston Loveland is currently the only weapon outside of the backfield to put pressure on opposing defenses, and that predictability allows teams to double-team the potential mismatch on a regular basis. There’s no getting around that fact, and Klatt believes it speaks to Michigan overvaluing the current state of the roster in the offseason.
“It’s panic time. This offense is not anywhere close right, not anywhere close. Namely because they just overvalued what they had on their own roster at the QB position, unfortunately,” Klatt described.
So, what can Michigan do moving forward? The next game is against archrival Michigan State, and the Spartans have been very hot-and-cold this season but are coming off a win over Iowa.
Even if Michigan gets past Michigan State, the rest of the schedule includes 3 of the final 4 games against ranked opponents — including 2 on the road. Without a functioning offense, it could be disaster time for the Wolverines.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.