Michigan and Michigan State will face each other on Saturday in what promises to be a matchup between two of the worst offenses in Power Four college football this season. Both teams rank near the bottom nationally in total offense, a trend that reflects a larger problem afflicting all five FBS programs in Michigan.
Michigan’s offense has struggled to find consistency in 2026, failing to score more than 21 points in any game besides their two matchups against UTEP and Rutgers, both among the weakest teams in college football. Meanwhile, Michigan State’s offense has been even more ineffective, dropping six straight games after a 2-0 start, including three losses where they scored fewer than 14 points. The Spartans average just 19.9 points per game, ranking 124th nationally in scoring offense.
The offensive struggles extend beyond the two flagship programs. Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Central Michigan have also ranked near the bottom of the country in total and scoring offense. Western Michigan sits 120th in total offense with 327 yards per game and 86th in scoring at 26.2 points per game. Eastern Michigan ranks 126th in total offense and 114th in scoring, averaging 318.6 yards and 21.3 points, respectively. Central Michigan and Michigan State are among the five worst offenses nationally, with Central Michigan at 133rd in total offense and 131st in scoring, averaging just 291.5 yards and 17.9 points per game.
Advanced metrics reflect the struggles as well. According to the SP+ offensive efficiency rankings updated on November 1, Michigan ranks 87th, Western Michigan 96th, Michigan State 97th, Eastern Michigan 120th, and Central Michigan 129th. SP+ adjusts for tempo and strength of opponent, indicating these offenses have underperformed even when considering the strong defenses they face.
Within the Power Four conferences, Michigan and Michigan State rank among the five worst offenses nationally. Michigan State averages 291.4 yards per game, Michigan 316.4 yards, both trailing behind other struggling Big Ten offenses like Minnesota (309 yards) and Wisconsin (318.2 yards). Clemson leads these struggling teams with 335.4 yards per game.
This lack of offensive production has contributed to poor records for Michigan-area teams. The combined record for Michigan’s five FBS programs stands at 8-27 this season. The low offensive output has made games between Michigan schools particularly unexciting. The earliest matchups this season showed minimal scoring and limited yardage. Michigan narrowly defeated Western Michigan 13-12 on September 5 in a game with just 497 combined yards. Michigan State’s 35-7 win over Eastern Michigan on September 12 saw 691 combined yards, the highest total among these contests. Western Michigan’s 21-14 victory against Central Michigan on October 17 produced 609 total yards.
Despite the offensive woes in Michigan, the state has produced some of college football’s best quarterbacks, including Oregon’s Dante Moore, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, and Mississippi’s Trinidad Chambliss. All three play outside Michigan, highlighting the disconnect between talent emerging from the state and the performance of its college programs.
The Saturday clash between Michigan and Michigan State will likely continue the trend of low-scoring games. Michigan’s defense remains one of the best in the nation and has helped the Wolverines stay competitive despite offensive struggles. Michigan State’s defense has not been as consistent, but their offense has not been able to capitalize either.
The overall offensive difficulties across Michigan’s programs reflect a broader issue with execution and production this season. As these teams prepare to meet, the expectation is a contest marked by defensive strength and offensive challenges.
According to Yahoo Sports.
