The defending champions, the Michigan Wolverines, have faced a challenging start to the season under head coach Sherrone Moore. Sometimes it is their poor defense, and sometimes it is their quarterback situation. After winning back-to-back games, they aimed to continue their winning streak but were halted by Washington, who defeated them 27-17 last weekend.

After the Wolverines lost their second game of the season against Texas, analysts and major media outlets began questioning head coach Sherrone Moore’s defensive strategy. Week 6, and the challenges continue for Michigan. Their defense was once expected to be their strength. Unfortunately, it is not the case anymore, and their game against Washington was the live proof. Huskies dominated them from the start, jumping to a 14-0 lead with two touchdown passes. Michigan Football reporter James Yoder had joined the conversation. He strongly believes that if Michigan continues to struggle defensively, Wink Martindale’s job could be at risk.

Yoder discussed Michigan’s coaching failures on his YouTube channel, emphasizing significant concerns about the Wolverines’ defensive strategy under coordinator Wink Martindale. “Wink Martindale’s continues to blitz and bring six and seven guys every time it’s third and 7/3, and 9/3, and 11, etc, etc. Of the six times that Washington had third and seven or more, they turned three of those six into first downs. Now one was that a penalty they’ll play that will Johnson towards the end of the game, three of six times third and seven long are resulting first downs on for this team.” He added, “I think Wink Martindale is going to go down as short Moore’s maybe the higher that costs him his job eventually, because you’re going to waste the season with three first round talents, at least three first round talents on the fish year’s team. It’s an abomination.”

The reporter further expresses disappointment in Martindale, suggesting he should feel shame for the current state of the defense, “Wink Martindale should be as shamed himself. And after what you saw last three years with young Mike McDonald, young Jesse Minter, we got fired from two jobs in that three year period. How you gonna hire a seasonal coach to come in and own college football? Let those defensive coordinators have the last few years.” After looking at Michigan’s current state, what do you think will Wink Martindale continue to be DC in 2025?

Jack Tuttle shines for Michigan, but defensive issues continue against Washington

Michigan’s quarterback situation has become a recurring topic this season. On Saturday, head coach Sherrone Moore turned to seventh-year quarterback Jack Tuttle in place of Alex Orji. Tuttle showcased an impressive performance, leading Michigan on a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that helped the team bounce back and take a three-point lead in the third quarter.

Washington started strong; they covered over 50 yards in three out of four drives. Quarterback Will Rogers displayed some impressive performance; his connection with wide receiver Denzel Boston was visible on the field; together they gained 36 yards. Soon after that, running back Jonah Coleman rushed for 10 yards. At the same time, Michigan’s defense forced a 42-yard field goal, but unfortunately, it was missed.

The main problem for Michigan was they allowed a third and 7 conversion; Roger easily completed a pass to Boston. Once Roger was comfortable, he threw a touchdown pass to Boston, which put the Huskies ahead. This weekend, Michigan will face Illinois, and it will be crucial to see if they have focused on improving their defense in practice or if their issues will persist.