Forget the Alamo

All of this isn't to say the defense didn't blow some plays, they clearly did, but they didn't give up two sustained drives like they did against Ohio State. Back-to-back turnovers put them in a bad spot and the second time they gave up the score.

- What makes it hard to place the blame on the defense is that the offense couldn't put the game away either. In the second quarter, after a Nebraska interception, Garrett Rivas missed a 25-yard field goal. In the third quarter, facing third and eight on the Nebraska 28 Henne threw an interception in the endzone taking away a possible field goal. After taking the lead 28-17 Michigan went three and out; fumble; fumble.

- So it is hard to say exactly where things broke down. The defense gave up a couple of big plays and the offense couldn't seem to grind out a win. It is your typical exasperating Michigan football. Michigan led Nebraska in almost every statistical category and still lost. Yes Nebraska played inspired football, but Michigan should have beaten this team. The ugly truth is Michigan seems to find ways to lose rather than win.

- Even more exasperating was the officiating. I don't think there is any doubt this was the worst officiated bowl game in the history of modern college football. The Sun Belt refs were simply incompetent. Obviously, Michigan need to put the game away so there was no question who would win, but the refs clearly cost Michigan dearly. There was an obvious fumble that was called down. Their inability to use instant replay cost the Wolverines two crucial time outs. There was a pass interference penalty that was waived off despite a face mask grab. The Henne fumble was clearly an incomplete pass. (If the ball goes forward from the QB's arm it is a pass, even if the defender hit the ball. In this case the defender hit Henne before he threw it but Henne still had his hand on the ball as it was moving forward and the ball went forward like a pass not like a fumble.) On Michigan's second to the last possession Manningham was clearly interfered with and the refs called nothing. And of course the game ended on the bizarre play with players all over the field and no penalties called. As if to add insult to injury, Tyler Ekert ran out of bounds rather than keep the play alive.

As everyone always says, you shouldn't let the game get to a point where a ref can determine the outcome. Point taken. But the officiating was a significant factor on a level that simply can't be tolerated by college football. The announcers, Kirk Herbstreit and Mike Trico, were almost embarrassed by the refs incompetence. When the announcers agree that the calls are that poor, it is obviously not a partisan accusation. What could have been a great game was marred by an officiating crew that was an embarrassment. The Sun Belt should be ashamed of their performance and not be allowed to referee a game of that magnitude again.

So this ugly bitter loss ends an ugly and bitter season and continues Michigan's funk. Yes, they won back to back conference championships. Yes, they played two great teams in the Rose Bowl. Yes, they have a tough schedule. But losing three, four or five games a season is simply not acceptable. Michigan has lost at least three games for six years in a row with this year marking their worst season since 1984. Carr is 1-4 against both Ohio State and Notre Dame and in bowl games. This is not the kind of record that inspires confidence.

While all of the blame can't be laid at the head coach's feet, he is the leader and must take responsibility. A shake-up is needed. Firing Defensive Coordinator Jim Herman would go a long way toward signaling that Carr realizes there is a problem and is willing to take action. I am sure there are plenty of fans who would like to see Carr himself let go, but I don't see that happening this year. But the status quo is not acceptable to fans. If Carr doesn't act now the heat will only go up, and deservedly so.