Social media reacts Michigan football's lethargic loss to Illinois

The bye week was supposed to fix at least some of Michigan's issues, but it did not. In fact, the Wolverines looked like the same ole Wolverines from the 2024 season -- maybe even worse in some aspects. Michigan has a few nice plays offensively, but seventh-year starting quarterback Jack Tuttle looked just like the ones who came before him -- Davis Warren and Alex Orji -- not up to the standard.
Tuttle threw two interceptions -- one was called back -- and had a fumble. Michigan clearly doesn't have a competent quarterback on this roster and it feels like the Wolverines are putting a blindfold on and randomly choosing who should start each week since none of them are showing results.
After taking their third loss of the season and dropping to 4-3, Michigan fans and national media exploded on social media after the Wolverines suffered a 21-7 loss to Illinois.
Take a picture.. not sure when Michigan will be ranked again, maybe 2025 preseason
— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@itsAntWright) October 19, 2024
Michigan’s quarterback situation pic.twitter.com/3wcLbadFuR
— MGoFish (@MGoFish) October 19, 2024
Within a span of 4 hours, Michigan went from having a chance to work back into having something to play for, to legitimately questioning will they win another game this year.
— Don Thomas (@REALDonThomas) October 19, 2024
This is an abject failure on multiple levels, and no one is absolved from blame. #GoBlue
I was fine going 9-3, hell 8-4 this year. But possibly only getting 5 or 6 wins is inexcusable.
— Brandon Knapp (@BKnappBlogs) October 19, 2024
Illinois has been the far better team at the line of scrimmage today. Definitely look more like Bret Bielema’s Wisconsin teams, which won the Big Ten from 2010-12.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 19, 2024
Jack Tuttle should not start another game for Michigan
— Trevor Woods (@WoodsFootball) October 19, 2024
Defense gave #Michigan a chance today. Three turnovers (two of which led to Illinois scores and other that came in redzone) AND a missed goal-to-go opportunity squandered what was a solid defensive effort, especially considering most of it came without Will Johnson.
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) October 19, 2024
The coaches have no control. This team’s energy is a funeral service. Struggling quarterback is sitting/standing alone the entire game. Nobody communicating. That “unique togetherness” they built for years is dead.
— Brandon Justice (@BrandonJustice_) October 19, 2024
Nobody’s playing for anybody. It’s a coaching disaster.
Michigan's lowest point total in 10 years?
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) October 19, 2024
Sounds about right. This looks like Michigan's 2014 offense. Almost exactly.
Obvious takeaway: Michigan absolutely has to win big in the portal this coming offseason and be willing to spend $
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) October 19, 2024
I’ve seen/heard enough. Let me start with this:
— MichiganPodcast (@MichiganPodcast) October 19, 2024
Jason Avant just said Semaj Morgan appeared to “give up” on “a catchable ball” on Michigan’s last realistic chance to make this a game.
There will be more of this moving forward.
Program is broken. A change will be needed.
Sherrone Moore was born on third base and has already sprinted back to first.
— Derick Hutchinson (@Derick_Hutch) October 19, 2024
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Takeaways: Michigan football gets out-dueled once again, takes loss to Illinois

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.
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