The lesson Michigan should take from the Ohio State loss — invest in better receivers

Michigan’s Passing Problem Exposed

Ohio State exposed Michigan’s biggest offensive flaw during Saturday’s matchup — the wide receiver position. While Michigan’s defense held up for much of the game, the offense consistently failed to stretch the field or create explosive plays in the passing game. This lack of threat through the air limited their ability to keep pace with Ohio State’s more dynamic offense.

A Clear Gap in Talent and Depth

Ohio State showed how valuable elite playmakers can be. Their receivers consistently found separation, while Michigan’s pass catchers struggled against tight coverage. The Wolverines relied heavily on short-yardage options, leaving their quarterback few chances to challenge defensive backs deep downfield.

The Offseason Priority

The takeaway for Michigan heading into the offseason is simple: improve the receiver room. Whether through the transfer portal or recruiting, the Wolverines need speed, route precision, and dependable hands. Without that, they risk repeating this same outcome against top-tier opponents.

Building Toward a Balanced Offense

If Michigan wants to stay in national title contention, it must balance its ground-heavy attack with a more dangerous passing game. Investing in talent at receiver would not only aid the quarterback but also open up the running game by forcing defenses to respect the deep ball.

“You can win with defense and a running game — but not if you can’t score when it counts.”

Author’s Summary: Michigan’s loss to Ohio State underscored a glaring issue — without faster, more skilled receivers, their offense will remain one-dimensional and predictable.

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On3 On3 — 2025-11-29

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