Michigan is looking for a chance to reclaim its reputation against Washington. The Wolverines are coming back after a major loss to USC and need to get this one right. Dave Portnoy had a dire request for Sherrone Moore, as Michigan works to save their hopes for the playoffs.

Portnoy’s love for Michigan runs deep, and he never shies away from expressing it. So, when Michigan takes a fall, he makes it a point to send some due critique for Sherrone Moore. Portnoy wore a replica of Moore’s jacket from his last press conference on the Big Noon Kickoff show today. He proceeded to sound an alarm for the HC. “When [Moore] talks a lot and we get our b–ts kicked, it’s tough for your boy over here. So, we got to get to work. This is about the last cliche that we have left,” he said jokingly.

“So, we better win today or else I may have to start burning some jackets. That’s all I’m saying,” Portnoy added. Michigan’s devastating loss to USC dug up problems that were plaguing the team regularly. The running game collapsed as Justice Haynes left with an injury. The defense ended up missing a whopping 14 tackle opportunities. Today, Michigan is playing a fierce Washington offense, led by Demond Williams. Michigan is still the favorite to win this game. But if Michigan, coming off a bye week, plays Washington like USC, there are going to be some serious troubles.

Wink Martindale’s defense has got get things going, because Demond Williams is a huge threat. He’s no Bryce Underwood, but that doesn’t mean the Wolverines are going to have an easy time stopping him. The QB excels at RPO plays. His rushing attack has taken a few hits because of sacks, but the Washington offense will come prepared. Washington can very well upset Michigan today. And if that happens, things might not be boding well for Sherrone Moore.

Dave Portnoy downplays danger of Sherrone Moore getting fired

Moore took charge of the Michigan ship when it was beat up badly by the sign-stealing scandal. But he also had a lot to live up to. Fair or not, Jim Harbaugh ended his career with that National Championship. But Michigan has done little to live up to that reputation under Moore since then. He finished 9-4 in 2024, for which he got a pass since it was his debut season. But in 2025, the patience is running thin. This is an elite program after all, and Michigan has stumbled brutally this season – twice. But Dave Portnoy isn’t too keen on calling it for Sherrone Moore‘s career.

“I am not going to declare him the guy. There’s a lot of people in Michigan circles, I think, who believe he is not the guy. I think it’s too early,” Portnoy said in an episode of Barstool Betting. Surprisingly, to him, Moore can still continue as HC as long as he beats Ohio State. “If we don’t win if we go 0-10 and then beat Ohio State every year, I can talk my talk,” he added. That’s quite the head-scratching comment, and fans will wonder if a blueblood like Michigan will tolerate that result. 

Ohio State happens to be the deal breaker for Sherrone Moore this year, because the remainder of the schedule should be an easy ride. Michigan plays Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern and Maryland next. And if Washington is a win, Sherrone Moore should stand at 9-3 before he faces the Buckeyes. A win here will be massive for him, and he will have a good shot at making the playoffs. But if Ryan Day finally gets his campaign against Michigan going, will Dave Portnoy sing a different chant?