Frustration continues to mount for Michigan football during Year 1 of the Kyle Whittingham era, as the Wolverines suffered their fifth loss of the season Saturday, falling to Oregon in Week 11.
That frustration spilled over after the game, when some Wolverines fans heckled Whittingham outside the news conference room at Autzen Stadium following Michigan's lopsided 31-7 defeat. The coach was walking back to the locker room when fans directed criticism his way.
“You (expletive) suck!" and "Go back to Utah" were among the taunts directed at Whittingham, with reporters in the area able to hear the remarks, as shown in a video of the incident that has since gained traction on social media. The fan reaction drew attention from members of the media seated
in the room.
Saturday's loss marked the Wolverines' third loss in a matter of weeks, and the third time they were held to single digits on offense. It's their fifth loss in their past seven games since beginning the season with a 3-0 record, which included a 17-10 win over then-No. 10 Oklahoma.
Michigan started freshman Tommy Carronce again at quarterback again, but after punts on the first two series, Whittingham went back to sophomore Bryce Underwood under center. The change did not do much for the Wolverines, as Underwood was 2-of-8 passing for 26 yards with no touchdowns. Carr went 4-of-12 passing for 45 yards.
The lone touchdown of the afternoon for Michigan was scored by running back Savion Hiter, a 70-yard run at the start of the second quarter.
Michigan will have to hope and find a win in the next two weeks to become bowl-eligible, though doing so will be a tough feat as the Wolverines host No. 4 UCLA next weekend before traveling to Columbus to take on No. 20 Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 28.
If the Wolverines are unable to get a sixth win and become bowl-eligible, it'll snap the program's five-year bowl appearance streak and mark the first time since 2014 that Michigan won't appear in a bowl game in a non-condensed COVID-19 season.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan fans heckle Kyle Whittingham after Oregon loss: 'Go back to Utah!'
