Frustration continues to grow for Michigan football in the first year of the Kyle Whittingham era, as the Wolverines suffered their fifth loss of the season on Saturday, falling to Oregon in Week 11.
That frustration spilled over after the game, when some Wolverines fans heckled Whittingham outside the Autzen Stadium press conference room after Michigan’s lopsided 31-7 loss. The coach was returning to the locker room when the fans criticized him.
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“You (expletive) suck!” and “Go back to Utah” were among the taunts directed at Whittingham, with reporters in the area overhearing the remarks, as shown in a video of the incident that has since gained traction on social media. The fans’ reaction caught the attention of the media members seated in the room.
NOTES: Michigan vs. Oregon Football Ratings: Even the Defense Was Downright Bad
Saturday’s loss marked the Wolverines’ third defeat in a matter of weeks, and the third time they have been held to single digits on offense. It was their fifth loss in their last seven games since starting the season 3-0, including a 17-10 win over then-No. 10 Oklahoma.
Michigan again started freshman Tommy Carr at quarterback, but after punts on the first two series, Whittingham reverted to sophomore Bryce Underwood under center. The change didn’t do much for the Wolverines, as Underwood completed 2 of 8 passes for 26 yards with no touchdowns. Carr completed 4 of 12 passes for 45 yards.
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Michigan’s only touchdown of the afternoon was scored by running back Savion Hiter, a 70-yard run early in the second quarter.
Michigan will have to hope and find a win over the next two weeks to become bowl eligible, although that will be a difficult feat as the Wolverines host No. 4 UCLA next weekend before traveling to Columbus to face No. 20 Ohio State on Saturday, November 28.
If the Wolverines fail to secure a sixth win and become bowl eligible, it will end the program’s five-year appearance streak and mark the first time since 2014 that Michigan will not appear in a bowl game in a non-condensed COVID-19 season.
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This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Michigan fans heckle Kyle Whittingham after Oregon loss: “Go back to Utah!” »
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