Jason Beck’s Seat Is Hot After Michigan’s Rivalry Loss to Michigan State

Michigan State came to the Big House on a six-game losing streak. It left with the Paul Bunyan Trophy after kicking five field goals and holding Michigan out of the end zone until 1:35 remained. The 15–6 loss put first-year offensive coordinator Jason Beck under serious pressure. Kyle Whittingham said after the game that he plans to evaluate the staff after the season, leaving Beck three regular-season games to make a stronger case for keeping his job. 

Michigan finished with 192 yards, turned the ball over four times and converted just two of 10 third downs. Michigan State recorded five sacks, and freshman quarterback Tommy Carr threw two interceptions. The Wolverines trailed only 6–0 at halftime and 9–0 entering the fourth quarter. Their defense kept the game within reach long enough for one good offensive stretch to change it. By the time Savion Hiter scored, Michigan needed two possessions. 

What makes Beck’s seat especially hot is how familiar the first half looked. Michigan has gone scoreless before halftime in three straight home games. The Wolverines also scored six points in their overtime loss to Indiana. A week before the rivalry game, they had 427 yards and scored touchdowns on their first two possessions in a 28–21 win at Rutgers. That game showed what Michigan could do with Carr. Saturday showed how quickly the offense can lose its footing when protection breaks down and drives stall. 

Whittingham has good reason to give Beck the final three games. Beck coordinated a Utah offense that averaged 41.2 points last season, and Michigan’s problems involve execution as well as play design. Whittingham also said the staff discussed putting Bryce Underwood into the Michigan State game and acknowledged afterward that it should have. That was a staff decision. Beck’s most immediate responsibility is to give whoever plays quarterback more manageable third downs and quicker answers when the pocket closes. 

Michigan is 5–4 and needs one win to become bowl eligible. It travels to Oregon, hosts UCLA and closes at Ohio State. Beck can help his case by getting the offense into the end zone early, cutting down on empty possessions and giving Michigan a chance to win when its defense keeps the score close. The most telling stretch may come before halftime in Eugene. After three straight home games without a first-half point, the Wolverines need to show they can find answers before the game starts slipping away. If those same problems carry through Ohio State, Whittingham will have a hard time justifying a second season for Beck.