The Wolverines Shocking Loss To The Spartans

On October 17, 2015, the Michigan Wolverines had arguably one of their most heart-breaking losses ever against their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans. The game was held at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor Michigan, and the Wolverines were in a good position. They had a 23-21 lead over the Spartans with possession of the ball, all they needed to do to secure a victory was hold on to the ball for the remaining 1:47 seconds on the clock. If it came to it, they would need to punt the ball with little time left for the Spartans to have to bring the ball all the way down the field for either a field goal or a touchdown for the win. The Wolverines started with the ball at their own 45 yard-line, which is pretty decent field-positioning. On the first play of the drive, De'Veon Smith ran the ball 5 yards for Michigan to the 50-yard line. Michigan State quickly called a timeout to stop the clock at 1:42. On their next play, Smith ran two yards to the Michigan State 48 yard-line forcing the Spartans to burn another timeout to stop the clock with only 56 seconds left to go in the game. On a 3rd and 3, Smith knew that another first down would secure the victory for the Wolverines, but he was unable to make it, running only one yard to the Michigan state 47 yard-line forcing a 4th and 2 and a big decision. Head coach Jim Harbaugh knew that the smartest play would be to send the punting team out, and give the Spartans only 10 seconds to march the ball down the field and make a play. All punter Blake O'Neill had to do was kick the ball far, and hopefully out of bounds so the Spartans would have no chance to return the ball. Then, they would be forced to make a play down the field with less than ten seconds and hope for either a touchdown or good enough field-positioning for a field goal. In shocking fashion, on the final play of the game, O'Neill dropped the snap and tried to make a play for the Wolverines, but ended up fumbling the ball. Michigan State Spartan Jalen Watts-Jackson recovered the fumble and took the ball 38 yards to cross the goal-line, win the game for the Spartans, and crush the hearts of every Wolverine fan in attendance that day, as well as any fan watching at home on television. The fans were shocked and crushed. Many blame this game on Blake O'Neill, and have done something about it. Michigan has even been forced to write letters to upset fans who have sent threats to O'Neill. Hopefully for the Wolverines they will be able to bounce back after this disappointing loss, but it appears as if they have lost any hope in competing for the Big Ten East championship, barring big mistakes from the Spartans and the Buckeyes.