Michigan's Loss to Maryland Should Seal Brady Hoke's Fate

The Michigan Wolverines had battled back from the brink of disaster after a disappointing 2-4 start to their season. Brady Hoke had survived the turmoil that claimed athletic director David Brandon and had rallied his team. Michigan needed a victory over Maryland to seal a bowl bid, a goal that a month ago had seemed nearly impossible.

But instead of becoming bowl eligible, Michigan collapsed in a flurry of bad penalties, losing a game that it could have won. The team’s second-half failure was punctuated by two Maryland touchdowns and likely marks the end of Brady Hoke’s coaching career in Ann Arbor.

The loss also may have contributed to Michigan losing a key recruit. Running back Mike Weber announced during the game that he was de-committing.

The circumstances certainly seemed to favor Michigan heading into the game. The Maryland offense was reeling from the loss of key wide receivers, and the Michigan defense was among the best in the nation. The game was also played at Michigan Stadium on senior day where the team honored its departing upperclassmen.

It’s fitting that Hoke participated in the ceremony, because just like the twelve seniors who were honored, he presumably won’t be back next season either.

Michigan came out aggressively in the first quarter, surprising Maryland by snapping the ball directly to running back Joe Kerridge on a fourth-down play. Kerridge rumbled for 52 yards, but the play would be one of the rare highlights for an offense that struggled to reach the end zone.

Tony Ding/Associated Press

“We had seen on the film that we could take advantage of the fake,” said Hoke.

In the third quarter Michigan appeared to have broken the game open with a long punt return for a touchdown by Dennis Norfleet, but the play was called back because of a penalty.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

“Some of this is all subjective,“ said Hoke on the penalty. ”I’ll have to wait and see...especially on the block in the back.”

After three quarters the Michigan defense had limited Maryland to field goals while clinging to a 16-9 lead. The Michigan defense appeared to have forced another field goal, but a roughing the kicker penalty extended the drive and Maryland later scored a touchdown to tie the game.

“The guy was trying to make a play, he was supposed to coming hard off the edge,” said Hoke. “I guess he hit him hard enough for a 15-yard personal foul.”

Prior to the game, interim athletic Jim Hackett had praised Hoke and his team.

Tony Ding/Associated Press

"I watch how people behave in adversity. These guys have shown up every week and played hard," said Hackett. "I'm also proud of the coaches' ability to work extremely hard during that situation.”

But working hard wasn’t enough for Michigan to beat Maryland.

Hackett said that he will evaluate Hoke after the season, and with Michigan unlikely to beat Ohio State next week, the end of the season—and final decision on Hoke—is very near.

Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand

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All season statistics from mgoblue.com, official University of Michigan athletic department web site.