Michigan’s coaching turmoil deepens. Can Biff Poggi rally a "betrayed" team after scandal, or will Texas exploit their vulnerability?
The scene at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31st will be anything but standard. As the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines prepare to face the No. 13 Texas Longhorns, the focus has shifted entirely from the gridiron to the sidelines. Following the shocking firing and arrest of Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines have once again turned to Biff Poggi to lead them through a storm.
Poggi, the 66-year-old associate head coach and former hedge fund millionaire, is no stranger to the "acting" role. However, the circumstances surrounding this bowl game are a stark departure from his earlier stint this season. To understand what Michigan might look like against Texas, we must look back at how the team functioned under Poggi during Moore’s initial suspension in September—and how the current "betrayal" might change that formula.
The September Blueprint: Stability and Dominance
Earlier in the 2025 season, Poggi stepped in while Sherrone Moore served a two-game suspension linked to the NCAA's sign-stealing investigation. During those games—a 63-3 drubbing of Central Michigan and a gritty 30-27 road win at Nebraska—the identity of the team was unflappable consistency.
Under Moore’s fiery, offensive-line-first mentality, Michigan often played with an emotional edge. When Poggi took the reins in September, that edge didn't disappear, but it was tempered by a "business-as-usual" approach. Poggi, described by many as Jim Harbaugh’s former "consigliere," prioritized:
- The Run Game: Leaning on the veteran offensive line and a deep stable of backs.
- Disciplined Defense: Maintaining gap integrity and preventing explosive plays.
- Minimalist Messaging: Letting the internal leadership of the players dictate the locker room energy.
In those games, Michigan looked like a well-oiled machine that didn't need a head coach to tell them what to do. They were 2-0 under Poggi, proving that his "transformational" coaching style—focusing on the person as much as the player—could keep the ship steady.
The Citrus Bowl Contrast: From Suspension to Scandal
The Michigan team that takes the field in Orlando will not be the same confident squad from September. The firing of Moore wasn't due to a pre-planned suspension; it was a "disaster" involving felony charges and allegations of betrayal that have left the roster, including star freshman QB Bryce Underwood, reeling.
Poggi has publicly stated that his players feel "betrayed." This shifts his role from a strategic stand-in to a grief counselor with a whistle. While the September Michigan team played for their suspended coach, the December Michigan team is playing for each other.
What to Expect Against Texas
Facing a Texas team led by Arch Manning is a massive jump in difficulty from Central Michigan. Here is how the "Poggi Effect" will likely manifest on New Year's Eve:
- A "Sanctuary" Mentality: Poggi has called the practice field a "sanctuary" from the media barrage. Expect a team that plays with a "us against the world" bunker mentality.
- Interim Play-Calling: With Moore gone (the primary play-caller) and Chip Lindsey departed for Missouri, Steve Casula takes over the offense. Poggi’s influence will likely lean toward a conservative, ball-control strategy to protect his defense from a high-powered Texas attack.
- Heavy Emotional Variance: Unlike the steady performance in September, expect Michigan to play with high volatility. If they start strong, the "love and care" Poggi has preached could fuel a spirited upset. If they struggle early, the weight of the month’s scandals could lead to a collapse.
In September, Poggi was a bridge to a coach the players loved. In December, he is the last man standing in a program seeking to reclaim its dignity. The result against Texas may matter less to the future of Michigan than the manner in which Poggi helps these "betrayed" young men finish the season.