Big Ten: Michigan still in a downward spiral

There are an awful lot of football head doctors trying to diagnose what’s wrong with Michigan, but so far none of them has offered an answer that addresses the big picture. The Wolverines are still one of the country’s most visible programs, with unlimited resources, and yet their downward spiral continues; Saturday’s home loss to Toledo (Michigan’s first-ever loss to a MAC foe) might be the lowest point yet.

Like last year when Appalachian State blocked what would have been a game-winning kick, again, Michigan had an opportunity to end the humiliation. But K.C. Lopata missed a chip shot from 26 yards — a fitting end to an embarrassing loss. Michigan had battled back to claim a 10-7 halftime lead after gifting Toledo with the game’s first points. But the Wolverines didn’t score a point in the second half, and drive after drive ended with a penalty, a sack, an interception, or a combination of the three.

Said Rich Rodriguez, “This will hurt for 24 hours — at least.”

Really … 24 hours, coach? This game is going to hurt for years, not hours, and chances are the Wolverines have not yet hit rock bottom. Four of their remaining six games are on the road, and three are against ranked foes: Penn State, Michigan State and Ohio State. Wins against those programs are unlikely, but, then again, Michigan will also be the underdog in its matchups against Purdue, Minnesota and Northwestern. Talk about a reversal of fortune.

Michigan’s three-decade-long bowl streak is as good as dead, and the team’s pride is hanging by a shoestring. Perhaps most important, Michigan’s recruiting pitch has suffered a severe blow. Losing to Appalachian State could be explained — flukes do happen — but this year’s Toledo loss will help to push potential blue chip prospects to warmer weather programs.

The problems run deep on the Ann Arbor campus, and they cannot be fixed with a top-level recruit or even a win over the Nittany Lions this week. Rodriguez is partially to blame, but so is his predecessor, Lloyd Carr.

While everyone searches for a quick fix it seems apparent that the only thing that can help Michigan is time and patience — two things few Wolverines fans are willing to give the program following Saturday’s debacle.

Scoreboard

Iowa 45, Indiana 9
Michigan State 37, Northwestern 20
Minnesota 27, Illinois 20
Toledo 13, Michigan 10
Ohio State 16, Purdue 3
Penn State 48, Wisconsin 7

Team of the Week: Minnesota

With everyone loaded up on the Northwestern bandwagon it’s been easy to forget about Minnesota, but the 5-1 Gophers are now playing the part of Big Ten Cinderella. Tim Brewster’s club knocked off heavily favored Illinois in Champaign in a game that is sure to send the Gophers into the top 25.

Disappointment of the Week: Ohio State

Forget the blowout in Madison, or the embarrassing loss by Michigan … the Buckeyes were an even bigger disappointment this week in a game they won by 13 points. On paper, their contest against Purdue should have been a blowout. The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense was to be no match for Purdue’s absentee defense. But Ohio State’s offense didn’t score a single touchdown (the special teams unit did on a blocked punt), leaving fans of the scarlet and gray with an awful lot to scrutinize in the 16-3 win.

Player/Freshman of the Week: DeLeon Eskridge, RB, Minnesota

The Gophers’ freshman back carried 26 times in the win over Illinois, helping Minnesota to control the football and keep up with the Illini’s potent attack. It was Eskridge’s second 100-yard game of the season, and his second score was the back-breaker in the conference’s best game of the weekend.

The ‘other’ school from up north

Michigan State has been battling up hill ever since losing a tight game to Cal in the season opener. But last week Mark Dantonio’s club cracked the top 25, and its win over Northwestern should finally earn a little respect from its peers. In a conference regularly dominated by the same school colors, green and white just might be the colors to represent the conference in the BCS this year.

Two backs are better than one

Iowa’s Shonn Greene has been one of the conference’s top rushers all season (seven straight 100-yard performances) but against Indiana it was Jewel Hampton who shined brightest. The freshman back gained 114 yards and scored three touchdowns.

Quarterback controversy in Madison?

We hinted last week that Allan Evridge’s poor play might get him the hook and it happened on Saturday against Penn State. The senior was replaced by Dustin Sherer, who didn’t fair much better (nine of 17 passing for 115 yards, no touchdowns and one interception). Now Bret Bielema has a dilemma — return to his most experienced quarterback (Evridge) to try to salvage the season, or stick with Sherer to build him up for next season.

Additional Notes

Penn State’s Derrick Williams returned a punt for a touchdown against Wisconsin. The senior now has three returns (two kicks, one punt) for scores this season, and he leads the Big Ten in kick return average (33.4).

In its loss to Michigan State, Northwestern got a valiant effort from wideout Ross Lane. The senior had 113 yards and matched a career best with nine catches. Lane has been slow to start the 2008 season, but he’s been heating up as of late (six catches against Iowa last week).

Kellen Lewis and Ben Chappell got an equal number of passing attempts (18) this week. Surprisingly, Lewis was more effective with his arm (more yards and completions). But an even greater surprise: Chappell was better on his feet (42 yards to Lewis’ 29).

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