The Michigan Wolverines have enjoyed historic highs in recent years, but some painful losses still frustrate Wolverines fans.

From rivalry defeats against Michigan State Spartans and Ohio State Buckeyes to a playoff collapse, these games remain among the program’s toughest moments. Every fan has a loss that they still remember years later.

These five games remain some of the toughest moments for Michigan fans because of the expectations before kickoff and the heartbreaking way they ended. 

5. Michigan State's 37-33 win over Michigan in 2021

Maize n Brew compiled the top five games, with the 2021 matchup between Michigan and Michigan State at No. 5. Both teams entered the rivalry clash undefeated and ranked inside the AP Top 10.

Michigan looked ready to take control after building a 30-14 lead in the third quarter. However, Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III changed the entire game.

Walker rushed for nearly 200 yards and scored five touchdowns, leading the Spartans to a shocking comeback win.

4. The 2015 rivalry game ended with Michigan State beating Michigan 27-23

Jim Harbaugh’s first season brought excitement back to Michigan, and the Wolverines entered the 2015 rivalry game ranked No. 12 in the country.

Michigan had a chance to end Michigan State’s recent dominance, but one final play changed everything. With seconds left, the Wolverines needed just 10 yards to close out the victory.

A bad snap on the punt changed everything, with Michigan State’s Jalen Watts-Jackson recovering the ball and taking it back for a touchdown. The “Trouble with the Snap” play remains one of the lowest moments in Michigan football history. 

3. Michigan fell to TCU 51-45 in 2022

Michigan entered the 2022 College Football Playoff semifinal unbeaten with a chance to reach the national championship game. But TCU Horned Frogs capitalized on Michigan’s mistakes and ended the Wolverines’ playoff run.

Turnovers, defensive lapses, and missed chances put Michigan in a difficult position. The Wolverines tried to rally in the second half, but they could not complete the comeback.

The defeat was a tough finish for a team that had been among the best in college football all season.

2. The Buckeyes cruised to a 62-39 victory over Michigan in 2018

The 2018 game against Ohio State came with high expectations. Michigan entered ranked No. 4 after winning 10 straight games and had a strong chance to reach the College Football Playoff. 

Instead, Ohio State dominated the second half. Dwayne Haskins threw six touchdown passes, and the Buckeyes finished with 567 total yards. 

The 62 points were the most Ohio State scored against Michigan in regulation, making it one of the toughest losses of the Harbaugh era.

1. Ohio State's 30-27 win over Michigan in 2016

The 2016 Ohio State game remains one of Michigan’s most painful losses. The Wolverines entered the matchup ranked No. 3, while Ohio State was ranked No. 2, with a chance to reach the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. 

Michigan had a dominant season, including a 49-10 win over the eventual Big Ten champion Penn State Nittany Lions. However, the biggest test came against Ohio State, where the game turned into a back-and-forth battle before entering double overtime. 

These losses created some of the hardest memories of modern Michigan football, but they also made the program’s later success even more meaningful. 

What are your thoughts on these Michigan losses? Let us know your take in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar