Michigan football’s embarrassing half vs. Wisconsin might be worst of Jim Harbaugh era

If you thought Saturday was the night Michigan football would turn its season around, you are in for a treat.

Joe Milton threw interceptions on his first two pass attempts, and Wisconsin ran rampant over Don Brown’s defense en route to a 28-0 halftime lead at a quiet Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. 

© Kirthmon F.Dozier, Detroit Free Press Michigan Wolverines’ Ronnie Bell, left, makes the tackle on Wisconsin’s Scott Nelson, after an interception on Joe Milton (5) in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.

According to the ESPN broadcast, it’s Michigan’s worst deficit at home since Michigan Stadium opened in 1927.

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It was so bad, “Rich Rod” was trending on Twitter, with fans wondering if the former Michigan coach who went 15-22 in three season would do a better job than Harbaugh.

The Wolverines’ first four possessions gained six yards, with the struggling Milton going 0-for-4 passing:

Interception, interception, three-and-out, three-and-out.

Wisconsin had outgained Michigan, 189-6, after its fourth touchdown.

Milton’s second pick was one of the most egregious you’ll see, when he appeared not to see the Wisconsin linebacker directly in the throwing lane and threw it right to him.

Defensively, Michigan had no answer for Wisconsin’s offense, which ran some misdirection plays to create space and used play-action to open up the defense.

The Badgers’ fourth touchdown was against a Michigan defense that had no effort as the seas parted for an easy 10-yard run for Nakia Watson, his second touchdown of the half.

It was almost like they took a page out of Matt Patricia’s Detroit Lions playbook, allowing the opponent to score in order to get the ball back quicker. 

“Just demoralizing,” ESPN color commentator Kirk Herbstreit said after the play. “I can’t believe this is the Big House and we’re watching Michigan right now down 28. I can’t believe this is happening.”

“It’s a good thing the Big House is the empty house. There would be deafening boos right now,” play-by-play man Chris Fowler said.

And when Michigan finally moved the ball on its fifth possession, Milton was stuffed on fourth-and-goal at the 1 on a quarterback keeper Wisconsin was ready for.

Former Michigan running back weighed in on Twitter, as did many others:

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football’s embarrassing half vs. Wisconsin might be worst of Jim Harbaugh era