Michigan football: Game ball for loss to South Carolina
By Mike Rizzo
The Michigan Wolverines 2017 season officially ended today with a 26-19 loss to South Carolina. This was an ugly, inexcusable loss for the Wolverines.
The Michigan Wolverines ended a disappointing season today with an even more disappointing result.
After leading 19-3 late in the third quarter, Michigan gave up 23 straight points and ended up losing 26-19.
The loss ruined the Big Ten’s hopes of having a perfect bowl season. No matter how you look at it, this loss was unacceptable.
Michigan once again was not able to put a team away. The defense was outstanding for the first 40 minutes of this game but collapsed in the final 20 minutes.
Brandon Peters once again struggled. He threw two picks and fumbled the ball. Michigan lost three fumbles and ended up with five turnovers.
My player of the game is Quinn Nordin. He was 4-4 today from field goal range and scored 13 of the Wolverines’ 19 points.
The offense was atrocious other than Nordin, the defense fell apart late in the game and once again Michigan couldn’t put a team away.
This game won’t silence the criticism that Jim Harbaugh and Michigan have received this year. Fans who say he needs to be fired are overreacting.
Harbaugh will get this figured out but the fun and games need to stop. Going to Rome is nice, going back to Nike is nice, sleeping over at recruits house is nice. It’s time to stop grabbing headlines and start WINNING.
2018 is a huge year for Michigan and Harbaugh. Former Ole Miss quarterback Shea Patterson is transferring to Michigan and if eligible should be the starter on September 1st.
Most of the Michigan defense is returning. In my opinion Michigan fans should expect to go 10-2 next season and have a shot at the Big Ten Championship Game when they play Ohio State to close the regular season.
Next: Highlights from Bob Quinn's press conference
What are your expectations for next year? Are mine realistic? Let us know in the comments!
Previous Game Ball winners:
Game 1 vs. Florida: Ambry Thomas
Game 2 vs. Cincinnati: Rashan Gary
Game 3 vs. Air Force: Quinn Nordin
Game 4 at Purdue: John O’Korn
Game 5 vs. MSU: Rashan Gary
Game 6 at Indiana: Karan Higdon
Game 7 at Penn State: Karan Higdon
Game 8 vs. Rutgers: Karan Higdon
Game 9 vs. Minnesota: Khaleke Hudson
Game 10 at Maryland: Brandon Peters
Game 11 at Wisconsin: Quinn Nordin
Game 12 vs. Ohio State: Rashan Gary