College Football AP Top 25: Winners and losers of Week 9

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumbled punt in the second quarter of a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 21: John O’Korn #8 hands off to Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Loser: Michigan Wolverines (No. 19 to unranked)

So much for having the most dominant defense in college football, right? Let’s not be so harsh on Michigan’s defense, however, as it had to try and make up for the offense’s mishaps and ineffectiveness. The defense could only hold up for so many weeks before it started to look fatigued and play a poor game.

Michigan was no match for Penn State as the Nittany Lions shellacked the Wolverines, 42-13. It was arguably the most embarrassing loss for Jim Harbaugh since getting dismantled by Ohio State at home in 2015. Penn State exacted revenge for last year’s thumping at Michigan, 49-10.

There’s just something missing from this Michigan team that was ranked No. 7 just a few weeks ago, and it seems to be an offensive identity. Since Wilton Speight went down, and even before that, the offense has been stagnant despite having plenty of talent.

The offensive line has struggled, John O’Korn doesn’t seem to be the answer under center and the receivers don’t seem to be confident because of the lack of rhythm with the quarterback. The run game has been a bright spot, but that wasn’t the case Saturday.

Should we be worried about this Michigan team?

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