Michigan's Shocking Loss to Western Michigan Sets Up Big Ten Showdown With Iowa

The No. 16 Michigan Wolverines suffered a stunning 12-7 upset loss to Western Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Kyle Whittingham's first game as head coach. The defeat marks just Michigan's second loss ever to a Mid-American Conference program and sets up a critical Week 4 matchup against Iowa that now carries extra weight for both teams.

The loss at Michigan Stadium is the program's first to a MAC school since Toledo beat Rich Rodriguez's Wolverines, 13-10, on Oct. 11, 2008. It also ranks among the most embarrassing defeats in Big House history, rivaled only by the infamous loss to FCS-level Appalachian State in September 2007.

What went wrong for Michigan against Western Michigan?

After scoring on its opening drive, Michigan's offense collapsed under pressure from a determined Western Michigan defense. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, who was expected to shine under new offensive coordinator Jason Beck, struggled mightily after the first series.

The Wolverines were plagued by mistakes, misplays, and penalties throughout the night. Underwood rushed passes, and true freshman running back Savion Hiter was repeatedly stopped behind an offensive line that clearly hasn't jelled yet. Michigan's best second-half drive was scuttled with 1:54 remaining when Underwood fumbled at the end of a 13-yard run.

Western Michigan grinded out a 9-7 lead on field goals of 52, 45, and 39 yards by junior college transfer Dieter Kelly. The Broncos' go-ahead score came on a 20-play drive that consumed 71 yards over 13 minutes and 40 seconds spanning the third and fourth quarters.

First drive showed promise, then everything fell apart

Michigan's opening drive answered questions about how Beck planned to use Underwood. The sophomore went 5-for-5 passing for 61 yards, mixing short throws with an athletic catch by JJ Buchanon on a high ball off a bad snap. Underwood capped the drive with a leap over the line for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

But the rest of the first half was a disaster. Underwood went 3-for-8 for 9 yards with an interception and a sack. The running game sputtered, eliminating the threat of RPO or play-action calls. Michigan was saved twice by officials overturning interceptions, including a 30-yard pick-six return by Dillon Moore that was ruled to have stepped out at the 26-yard line.

Oklahoma up next, then Iowa comes to Ann Arbor

Michigan (0-1) faces a brutal schedule ahead. Week 2 brings a rematch with No. 9 Oklahoma (1-0), which rolled over Michigan last season in Norman. The Sooners looked sharp in a 51-0 victory over UTEP, with quarterback John Mateer completing 11 of 17 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns in limited action.

The game that matters most for Iowa fans comes in Week 4, when the Hawkeyes travel to Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26. With Michigan already reeling from an 0-1 start, Iowa will face a wounded program desperate to right the ship. The Hawkeyes have their own questions to answer, but this matchup now looks more favorable than it did before the season.

Michigan's remaining schedule

• Week 2: vs. No. 9 Oklahoma, Saturday, Sept. 12 (Noon ET, Fox)
• Week 3: vs. UTEP, Saturday, Sept. 19 (3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network)
• Week 4: vs. Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 26 (time and TV TBA)
• Week 5: at Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 3
• Week 6: Bye week
• Week 7: vs. Penn State, Saturday, Oct. 17
• Week 8: vs. Indiana, Saturday, Oct. 24
• Week 9: at Rutgers, Saturday, Oct. 31
• Week 10: vs. Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 7
• Week 11: at Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 14
• Week 12: vs. UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 21
• Week 13: at Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 28 (Noon ET, Fox)

What does this mean for Iowa?

Iowa fans should take note: Michigan is vulnerable. The Wolverines' offensive line is struggling, Underwood looks rattled, and the coaching staff is under immediate pressure. The Hawkeyes' defense, traditionally one of the best in the Big Ten, could feast on this offense.

However, Michigan's defense showed it can hold its own, keeping the game close despite the offensive failures. The Wolverines will also have two weeks to make adjustments before facing Iowa, and the Oklahoma game will provide a measuring stick for how much progress they've made.

For Iowa, this is an opportunity. A win in Ann Arbor would be a statement victory and could set the tone for the rest of the season. But the Hawkeyes must first handle their own business in the weeks ahead.

Frequently asked questions about Michigan's loss

When did Michigan last lose to a MAC team before Western Michigan?

Michigan's only previous loss to a Mid-American Conference program was on Oct. 11, 2008, when Toledo beat the Wolverines 13-10 at Michigan Stadium.

Who is Bryce Underwood?

Bryce Underwood is Michigan's sophomore quarterback who was expected to lead a revitalized offense under new offensive coordinator Jason Beck. He struggled in the loss to Western Michigan, completing just 8 of 13 passes for 70 yards with an interception and a fumble.

When do Iowa and Michigan play?

Iowa travels to Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 26. The time and TV network have not yet been announced.