IOWA VS. MICHIGAN
Skip to contentSkip to footer
7.1K Followers
Kyle Whittingham gives updates on Michigan football injuries, strategy against Iowa
Story by Jacob Westendorf
• 4h •
4 min read
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts to 20-19 loss to Iowa at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect© USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Kyle Whittingham took to the podium on Monday to discuss the aftermath of Michigan’s disastrous 20-19 loss at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
If you were looking for reasons to be angry, Whittingham may have given you some ammo there. If you were looking for hope for the future, there is some hope there as well.
Samosa Maker Machine For You – Samosa Maker Machine Sale At Temu™ – Samosa Maker Machine On Sale
Temu·Sponsored
Ultimately, what Whittingham says won’t matter too much if Michigan gets back to their winning ways on Saturday against PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The hope is to see some progress as Whittingham noted that they are 3-1, but he feels like they are 0-4.
With that in mind, here are some of the highlights of things he said in his Monday availability.
Reinforcements Coming
Last week, Michigan was perilously thin on the offensive line and it looked like disaster was going to strike further when Blake Frazier was laying on the ground in agony. Frazier was able to finish the game, which we’ll get to in a minute.
The reason the injury was even scarier was because of the lack of reinforcements Michigan had behind Frazier.
Related video: Kiffin spoke about the injury to linebacker Whit Weeks (WGMB/WVLA Baton Rouge)
Kiffin spoke about the injury to linebacker Whit Weeks
I mean, look at last year.
Current Time 0:08
/
Duration 0:48
0
The big news from Monday’s availability was that former five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola is hopefully going to return to practice next week. If Babalola can get himself in a position where he could contribute, Michigan, at minimum will have some depth on the offensive line.
With Andrew Sprague out of the lineup, the Wolverines are using Evan Link as their left tackle with Frazier moving to the right side.
Link has performed admirably at left tackle, but could be a solution to some of the issues Michigan has on the interior if Babalola is able to play.
With Sprague and Frazier both nursing injuries, Babalola provides depth if nothing else.
The other big piece that was missing from the lineup was Michigan’s rhino, Manuel Beigel. Beigel missed Saturday’s game and gave way to Avery Gach.
Whittingham expects him to return to practice this week, which likely puts him in line to play on Saturday against the Golden Gophers.
Still Some Concerns
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect© USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
With good news came some concerning news. Blake Frazier was able to finish Saturday’s game, but is noted as day-to-day this week. The same is true for star defensive end John Henry Daley who exited the game on the final possession.
Frazier was able to finish the game, while Daley missed the final play.
Google AI For Every Business – Enterprise AI Solutions – Agentic AI For Work
Google Workspace·Sponsored
If Daley can’t play, Michigan has plenty of depth at defensive end. If Frazier cannot go, Michigan is in a really tough spot at offensive tackle.
The availability report will be something worth monitoring throughout the week.
Jay Hill Calls the Defense
The final defensive call of Saturday’s game has been under fire with Jay Hill choosing to have a linebacker as a spy with his cornerbacks in press man coverage on a play that Iowa had to throw the ball into the end zone.
Obviously, the call did not work as Iowa was able to score a touchdown with Reece Vander Zee playing the role of hero.
Whittingham said he felt that was the best structure of the defense for the situation.
Forgive me if I don’t agree. Hank Brown is not the mobile quarterback Michigan had faced in the first two weeks, and only rushing three players on the final series allowed Brown to be far too comfortable in the pocket.
Carbon Fiber Insoles – VKTRY – 100% Carbon Fiber
vktry.com·Sponsored
Nonetheless, Whittingham did not necessarily defend the call, just noted that Hill is the one who made it.
They Did Consider Throwing
The final offensive play of the game for Michigan was discouraging due to how conservative it was. The Wolverines faced a third-and-5 with a chance to ice the game by getting a first down.
Bryce Underwood had played what Whittingham called his best game. Aggression in that situation felt warranted. Instead, Michigan ran the ball to bleed the clock for as long as they could, and trusted their defense.
You know what happened next. The Wolverines head coach did note that they did consider throwing the ball on the final play.
He would later note that his team needs to do a better job of putting games away.
Giving his players a chance to make a play in that situation would be a good start.
Penalties
Last, but certainly not least, Whittingham did address the penalty issue. Sort of.
He did note that his team is committing too many penalties. That’s an admission of the problem.
He also was not harsh enough on Zeke Berry’s personal foul penalty saying it was not overly egregious.
He did note that it was avoidable, but Whittingham is wrong. It was egregious, and a benching next week could be justifiable.
Sign up for the Michigan Wolverines on SI newsletter for more free coverage
Today’s best reads
- New Injury Concerns Arise in Michigan’s Initial Availability Report Ahead of Iowa
- Michigan Football Injury Report: 9 Wolverines OUT Against Iowa — What it Means
- 5 Things Kyle Whittingham Said Ahead of Michigan’s Game vs. Iowa — And What They Mean
- Kyle Whittingham’s Injury Updates Could Cause Concern for Michigan’s Game vs. Iowa
- The Biggest Coaching Decision Kyle Whittingham Got Wrong Against Iowa
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/michigan as Kyle Whittingham Gives Updates on Michigan Football Injuries, Strategy Against Iowa.
It’s time for Kyle Whittingham to live up to his reputation for Michigan football
The biggest coaching decision Kyle Whittingham got wrong against Iowa
Sponsored Content
The Oxford Club
Legendary Stock Bull Says “Brace for the Greatest Crash Ever”
Temu
Neiman Marcus
More for You
·3h
Kyle Whittingham fuming after Michigan’s last-second loss to Iowa
·3d
Bill Gates warns AI is powerful enough to drive events that cause a billion deaths
Walmart
Hp 15.6 Inch Windows 11 Touch Laptop Intel Core I5-1334U 8GB RAM 512Gb SSD Natural Silver
·1d
Sharp break: Independents break with GOP in new polls days before the midterms
·3d
Sherman’s Lagoon by Jim Toomey
·7h
When to set your clocks back. The 2026 daylight saving time start, end
·5h
3 things we learned from Michigan football’s last-second loss to Iowa
·1w
Bob Dylan recorded a masterpiece then left it off the album
142.9K Followers
9 to 5 by Harley Schwadron
3d
Sep. 25, 2026
©Harley Schwadron/Harley Schwadron
TOP STORIES
ReutersProsecutors reopen investigation into alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University
NewsweekUS military sites still at risk after foiled plot, ex-terror chief says
CNN12 moves that illustrate the brazenness of Trump’s second term — like those taxpayer-funded ads
Sponsored Content
More for You
Your Privacy Choices Consumer Health Privacy
Feedback
Skip to contentSkip to footer
7.1K Followers
Kyle Whittingham gives updates on Michigan football injuries, strategy against Iowa
Story by Jacob Westendorf
• 4h •
4 min read
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts to 20-19 loss to Iowa at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect© USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Kyle Whittingham took to the podium on Monday to discuss the aftermath of Michigan’s disastrous 20-19 loss at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
If you were looking for reasons to be angry, Whittingham may have given you some ammo there. If you were looking for hope for the future, there is some hope there as well.
Samosa Maker Machine For You – Samosa Maker Machine Sale At Temu™ – Samosa Maker Machine On Sale
Temu·Sponsored
Ultimately, what Whittingham says won’t matter too much if Michigan gets back to their winning ways on Saturday against PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The hope is to see some progress as Whittingham noted that they are 3-1, but he feels like they are 0-4.
With that in mind, here are some of the highlights of things he said in his Monday availability.
Reinforcements Coming
Last week, Michigan was perilously thin on the offensive line and it looked like disaster was going to strike further when Blake Frazier was laying on the ground in agony. Frazier was able to finish the game, which we’ll get to in a minute.
The reason the injury was even scarier was because of the lack of reinforcements Michigan had behind Frazier.Related video: Kiffin spoke about the injury to linebacker Whit Weeks (WGMB/WVLA Baton Rouge)
Kiffin spoke about the injury to linebacker Whit Weeks
I mean, look at last year.
Current Time 0:08
/
Duration 0:48
0
The big news from Monday’s availability was that former five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola is hopefully going to return to practice next week. If Babalola can get himself in a position where he could contribute, Michigan, at minimum will have some depth on the offensive line.
With Andrew Sprague out of the lineup, the Wolverines are using Evan Link as their left tackle with Frazier moving to the right side.
Link has performed admirably at left tackle, but could be a solution to some of the issues Michigan has on the interior if Babalola is able to play.
With Sprague and Frazier both nursing injuries, Babalola provides depth if nothing else.
The other big piece that was missing from the lineup was Michigan’s rhino, Manuel Beigel. Beigel missed Saturday’s game and gave way to Avery Gach.
Whittingham expects him to return to practice this week, which likely puts him in line to play on Saturday against the Golden Gophers.
Still Some Concerns
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect© USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
With good news came some concerning news. Blake Frazier was able to finish Saturday’s game, but is noted as day-to-day this week. The same is true for star defensive end John Henry Daley who exited the game on the final possession.
Frazier was able to finish the game, while Daley missed the final play.
Google AI For Every Business – Enterprise AI Solutions – Agentic AI For Work
Google Workspace·Sponsored
If Daley can’t play, Michigan has plenty of depth at defensive end. If Frazier cannot go, Michigan is in a really tough spot at offensive tackle.
The availability report will be something worth monitoring throughout the week.
Jay Hill Calls the Defense
The final defensive call of Saturday’s game has been under fire with Jay Hill choosing to have a linebacker as a spy with his cornerbacks in press man coverage on a play that Iowa had to throw the ball into the end zone.
Obviously, the call did not work as Iowa was able to score a touchdown with Reece Vander Zee playing the role of hero.
Whittingham said he felt that was the best structure of the defense for the situation.
Forgive me if I don’t agree. Hank Brown is not the mobile quarterback Michigan had faced in the first two weeks, and only rushing three players on the final series allowed Brown to be far too comfortable in the pocket.
Carbon Fiber Insoles – VKTRY – 100% Carbon Fiber
vktry.com·Sponsored
Nonetheless, Whittingham did not necessarily defend the call, just noted that Hill is the one who made it.
They Did Consider Throwing
The final offensive play of the game for Michigan was discouraging due to how conservative it was. The Wolverines faced a third-and-5 with a chance to ice the game by getting a first down.
Bryce Underwood had played what Whittingham called his best game. Aggression in that situation felt warranted. Instead, Michigan ran the ball to bleed the clock for as long as they could, and trusted their defense.
You know what happened next. The Wolverines head coach did note that they did consider throwing the ball on the final play.
He would later note that his team needs to do a better job of putting games away.
Giving his players a chance to make a play in that situation would be a good start.
Penalties
Last, but certainly not least, Whittingham did address the penalty issue. Sort of.
He did note that his team is committing too many penalties. That’s an admission of the problem.
He also was not harsh enough on Zeke Berry’s personal foul penalty saying it was not overly egregious.
He did note that it was avoidable, but Whittingham is wrong. It was egregious, and a benching next week could be justifiable.
Sign up for the Michigan Wolverines on SI newsletter for more free coverage
Today’s best reads
- New Injury Concerns Arise in Michigan’s Initial Availability Report Ahead of Iowa
- Michigan Football Injury Report: 9 Wolverines OUT Against Iowa — What it Means
- 5 Things Kyle Whittingham Said Ahead of Michigan’s Game vs. Iowa — And What They Mean
- Kyle Whittingham’s Injury Updates Could Cause Concern for Michigan’s Game vs. Iowa
- The Biggest Coaching Decision Kyle Whittingham Got Wrong Against Iowa
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/michigan as Kyle Whittingham Gives Updates on Michigan Football Injuries, Strategy Against Iowa.
It’s time for Kyle Whittingham to live up to his reputation for Michigan football
The biggest coaching decision Kyle Whittingham got wrong against Iowa
Sponsored Content
The Oxford Club
Legendary Stock Bull Says “Brace for the Greatest Crash Ever”
Temu
Neiman Marcus
More for You
·3h
Kyle Whittingham fuming after Michigan’s last-second loss to Iowa
·3d
Bill Gates warns AI is powerful enough to drive events that cause a billion deaths
Walmart
Hp 15.6 Inch Windows 11 Touch Laptop Intel Core I5-1334U 8GB RAM 512Gb SSD Natural Silver
·1d
Sharp break: Independents break with GOP in new polls days before the midterms
·3d
Sherman’s Lagoon by Jim Toomey
·7h
When to set your clocks back. The 2026 daylight saving time start, end
·5h
3 things we learned from Michigan football’s last-second loss to Iowa
·1w
Bob Dylan recorded a masterpiece then left it off the album
142.9K Followers
9 to 5 by Harley Schwadron
3d
Sep. 25, 2026
©Harley Schwadron/Harley Schwadron
TOP STORIES
Sponsored Content
More for You
Your Privacy Choices Consumer Health PrivacyFeedback
Skip to contentSkip to footer
7.1K Followers
Kyle Whittingham gives updates on Michigan football injuries, strategy against Iowa
Story by Jacob Westendorf
• 4h •
4 min read
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts to 20-19 loss to Iowa at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect© USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Kyle Whittingham took to the podium on Monday to discuss the aftermath of Michigan’s disastrous 20-19 loss at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
If you were looking for reasons to be angry, Whittingham may have given you some ammo there. If you were looking for hope for the future, there is some hope there as well.
Samosa Maker Machine For You – Samosa Maker Machine Sale At Temu™ – Samosa Maker Machine On Sale
Temu·Sponsored
Ultimately, what Whittingham says won’t matter too much if Michigan gets back to their winning ways on Saturday against PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The hope is to see some progress as Whittingham noted that they are 3-1, but he feels like they are 0-4.
With that in mind, here are some of the highlights of things he said in his Monday availability.
Reinforcements Coming
Last week, Michigan was perilously thin on the offensive line and it looked like disaster was going to strike further when Blake Frazier was laying on the ground in agony. Frazier was able to finish the game, which we’ll get to in a minute.
The reason the injury was even scarier was because of the lack of reinforcements Michigan had behind Frazier.Related video: Kiffin spoke about the injury to linebacker Whit Weeks (WGMB/WVLA Baton Rouge)
Kiffin spoke about the injury to linebacker Whit Weeks
I mean, look at last year.
Current Time 0:08
/
Duration 0:48
0
The big news from Monday’s availability was that former five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola is hopefully going to return to practice next week. If Babalola can get himself in a position where he could contribute, Michigan, at minimum will have some depth on the offensive line.
With Andrew Sprague out of the lineup, the Wolverines are using Evan Link as their left tackle with Frazier moving to the right side.
Link has performed admirably at left tackle, but could be a solution to some of the issues Michigan has on the interior if Babalola is able to play.
With Sprague and Frazier both nursing injuries, Babalola provides depth if nothing else.
The other big piece that was missing from the lineup was Michigan’s rhino, Manuel Beigel. Beigel missed Saturday’s game and gave way to Avery Gach.
Whittingham expects him to return to practice this week, which likely puts him in line to play on Saturday against the Golden Gophers.
Still Some Concerns
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect© USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
With good news came some concerning news. Blake Frazier was able to finish Saturday’s game, but is noted as day-to-day this week. The same is true for star defensive end John Henry Daley who exited the game on the final possession.
Frazier was able to finish the game, while Daley missed the final play.
Google AI For Every Business – Enterprise AI Solutions – Agentic AI For Work
Google Workspace·Sponsored
If Daley can’t play, Michigan has plenty of depth at defensive end. If Frazier cannot go, Michigan is in a really tough spot at offensive tackle.
The availability report will be something worth monitoring throughout the week.
Jay Hill Calls the Defense
The final defensive call of Saturday’s game has been under fire with Jay Hill choosing to have a linebacker as a spy with his cornerbacks in press man coverage on a play that Iowa had to throw the ball into the end zone.
Obviously, the call did not work as Iowa was able to score a touchdown with Reece Vander Zee playing the role of hero.
Whittingham said he felt that was the best structure of the defense for the situation.
Forgive me if I don’t agree. Hank Brown is not the mobile quarterback Michigan had faced in the first two weeks, and only rushing three players on the final series allowed Brown to be far too comfortable in the pocket.
Carbon Fiber Insoles – VKTRY – 100% Carbon Fiber
vktry.com·Sponsored
Nonetheless, Whittingham did not necessarily defend the call, just noted that Hill is the one who made it.
They Did Consider Throwing
The final offensive play of the game for Michigan was discouraging due to how conservative it was. The Wolverines faced a third-and-5 with a chance to ice the game by getting a first down.
Bryce Underwood had played what Whittingham called his best game. Aggression in that situation felt warranted. Instead, Michigan ran the ball to bleed the clock for as long as they could, and trusted their defense.
You know what happened next. The Wolverines head coach did note that they did consider throwing the ball on the final play.
He would later note that his team needs to do a better job of putting games away.
Giving his players a chance to make a play in that situation would be a good start.
Penalties
Last, but certainly not least, Whittingham did address the penalty issue. Sort of.
He did note that his team is committing too many penalties. That’s an admission of the problem.
He also was not harsh enough on Zeke Berry’s personal foul penalty saying it was not overly egregious.
He did note that it was avoidable, but Whittingham is wrong. It was egregious, and a benching next week could be justifiable.
Sign up for the Michigan Wolverines on SI newsletter for more free coverage
Today’s best reads
- New Injury Concerns Arise in Michigan’s Initial Availability Report Ahead of Iowa
- Michigan Football Injury Report: 9 Wolverines OUT Against Iowa — What it Means
- 5 Things Kyle Whittingham Said Ahead of Michigan’s Game vs. Iowa — And What They Mean
- Kyle Whittingham’s Injury Updates Could Cause Concern for Michigan’s Game vs. Iowa
- The Biggest Coaching Decision Kyle Whittingham Got Wrong Against Iowa
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/michigan as Kyle Whittingham Gives Updates on Michigan Football Injuries, Strategy Against Iowa.
It’s time for Kyle Whittingham to live up to his reputation for Michigan football
The biggest coaching decision Kyle Whittingham got wrong against Iowa
Sponsored Content
The Oxford Club
Legendary Stock Bull Says “Brace for the Greatest Crash Ever”
Temu
Neiman Marcus
More for You
·3h
Kyle Whittingham fuming after Michigan’s last-second loss to Iowa
·3d
Bill Gates warns AI is powerful enough to drive events that cause a billion deaths
Walmart
Hp 15.6 Inch Windows 11 Touch Laptop Intel Core I5-1334U 8GB RAM 512Gb SSD Natural Silver
·1d
Sharp break: Independents break with GOP in new polls days before the midterms
·3d
Sherman’s Lagoon by Jim Toomey
·7h
When to set your clocks back. The 2026 daylight saving time start, end
·5h
3 things we learned from Michigan football’s last-second loss to Iowa
·1w
Bob Dylan recorded a masterpiece then left it off the album
142.9K Followers
9 to 5 by Harley Schwadron
3d
Sep. 25, 2026
©Harley Schwadron/Harley Schwadron
TOP STORIES
Sponsored Content
More for You
Your Privacy Choices Consumer Health PrivacyFeedback
