These are dark days at the University of Michigan.

The once proud football program has fallen upon hard times and does not appear to be anywhere near pulling itself out of its tailspin.

Many Wolverine faithful were hoping that Brady Hoke was going to be the answer. But now, even they have to be wondering if he is the right man for the job.

I have to admit that I drank the Kool-Aid after watching Michigan dismantle Appalachian State in its season opener, although I did temper my enthusiasm by remembering who it was playing.

But while watching that game, I saw an improved Devin Gardner and a much more aggressive defense that I thought could compete with Notre Dame Saturday night.

Boy was I wrong.

The Fighting Irish were better than the Wolverines in every phase of the game, especially at quarterback.

One of the key reasons that Notre Dame was able to end Michigan’s NCAA record 365 games without being shut out (Iowa, 1984) was the play of Everett Golson.

Golson does not look like a player who missed an entire season. Yet, I think the jury is still out on him because the Wolverine defense did not exactly provide much of a challenge.
But there is one thing that is undeniable and that is that Golson’s ability to move around makes the Fighting Irish’s offense much more dangerous. His ability to throw the ball while on the run makes this offense a threat to strike from anywhere on the field.
On the flip side, Garner is unable to quickly make decisions with the football and despite being a great athlete, seems unable to escape when needed.
He can get out and run when his number is called. But when a play breaks down, he seems unable to move around in the pocket, escape and create something from nothing.
And speaking of numbers, it is time for him to return No. 98 to the Tom Harmon family because it is embarrassing to watch him struggle and he is not honoring that jersey, but in my opinion dishonoring it.
Michigan was also outcoached Saturday night.
Brian Kelly, despite having a losing record against the Wolverines, was better than Hoke and his staff.
He came in with a near perfect game plan and his players executed it to a tee.
If Hoke thought he was on the hot seat last season, the thermostat on that seat was turned up about 1,000 degrees after the loss.
There are big changes coming at the University of Michigan. Some of them will need to be made quickly, while others may have to wait until the end of what ultimately looks like another disappointing season.

Scott Novak is sports editor for Leader Publications. He can be reached at scott.novak@leaderpub.com.