Another week, another disastrous offensive performance for Michigan.
The Wolverines failed to reach 20 points for the fourth time in five games this season, falling 20-14 on Saturday at Minnesota for the first time since 1977.
Saturday's result marks the first time since 1965 that the Wolverines have failed to score at least 20 points in four of their first five games of a season, according to Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated.
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham was once again disappointed with the offense and hinted at possible changes on that side of the ball in the coming weeks.
"We might have to make some tough decisions here. We'll see," Whittingham said. "Right now, to this point, through this portion of the season, it's unacceptable. The results are unacceptable right now."
Michigan totaled just 180 yards of offense against the Golden Gophers and scored only one offensive touchdown. Three second-half turnovers left them with only two plays in the third quarter.
The letdown is the latest setback in Whittingham's trying debut season in Ann Arbor. The former Utah coach sits 3-2 on the campaign, though the record should arguably be 2-3 had officials properly ruled the Wolverines' Week 1 Hail Mary winner against Western Michigan.
Whittingham admitted that the move to Michigan after two decades with the Utes has been difficult.
"I've been in this profession for 40-plus years, and this is maybe the biggest challenge I've ever had, and we will get it figured out, I promise you that," Whittingham said. "Right now, we have a lot of answers we gotta come up with because we have so many deficiencies."
The biggest change Whittingham could make is to bench quarterback Bryce Underwood. The former No. 1 recruit in the nation has struggled in Jason Beck's offense, throwing only five touchdowns against four interceptions this year.
Whittingham caused a stir earlier this season when he said Underwood was the starting quarterback "for now," but he eventually softened that stance.
Michigan now has two weeks to implement any changes Whittingham sees fit, with a bye week on deck before a contest against Penn State on Oct. 17.
