Michigan football is in rough shape following Saturday's 15-6 loss to Michigan State. Josh Pate doesn't think Kyle Whittingham reacted appropriately to losing the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

The Wolverines lost both trophy games to Minnesota and Michigan State in Whittingham's first season as head coach. Michigan can now look to salvage a bowl game invite by defeating Oregon, UCLA, or Ohio State in the final games.

After Saturday's loss, Whittingham was asked how he'll keep his team motivated for those last three matchups. His response may bother fans wanting more urgency in Ann Arbor.

"It's my job as a coach to rally them back up and get them ready to compete for these last three games," Whittingham said. "I don't know, is there any more trophies in these last three games? I don't think there's any more trophies."

Pate felt Whittingham's comments missed the mark. The college football pundit didn't like the coach appearing to downplay the rivalry loss.

"I'll never understand being paid $8m/yr and not even pretending to care about that school’s traditions," Pate said.

Whittingham also drew scrutiny earlier in the season for refusing to say he hates Ohio State. Pate and others may wish he noted that going to Columbus to play the Buckeyes should be a major source of motivation for Michigan regardless of its record.

However, the program acknowledged this season hasn't been good enough by announcing a major staffing move Sunday. Michigan fired offensive coordinator Jason Beck and appointed Jim Harding the interim OC for the rest of the season.

"The results have not matched our desired outcome, and I felt that a change in leadership was required for our offense," Whittingham said in the school's statement. "We need to put our offensive players and the entire team in the best possible position to be successful."