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Michigan played Big Ten rival Purdue in Ann Arbor on Sunday, but the environment felt more like that of a road game. A number of Boilermakers made the trip, doing their part to create a hostile atmosphere for the home team.
The college basketball world took note, shaking its head at a Wolverine program that was not so long ago viewed as the sport’s best.
Purdue is proud of its team, which has been ranked at the top of the polls since the start of the season. Led by National Player of the Year candidate Zach Edey, many view this team as an NCAA title favorite as they currently pace the Big Ten conference race.
The fans have played a large part in that success, with the Boilermakers posting a perfect 14-0 record in West Lafayette. It feels like that number moved to 15-0 on Sunday despite the road trip.
CBS Sports posted a clip of a Boilermaker run in the first half of action, turning what had been a one-point Wolverine lead into a nine-point deficit.
The only thing anyone could focus on, however, was the crowd noise.
JONES FOR 👌@BoilerBall is on a 14-4 run‼️ pic.twitter.com/hOB5qD8sHZ
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) February 25, 2024
The top blew off the Crisler Center after that Purdue bucket, and followers were quick to comment.
“THIS SOUNDS LIKE A PURDUE HOME GAME!” wrote the Field of 68 X account.
“Michigan played for a national title six years ago and now they’re playing road games at home,” commented Rob Dauster.
“Purdue fans making Crisler sound like Mackey,” said Scott Van Pelt.
Michigan State fans took over last game, Purdue fans taking over this game.
This is NOT the Michigan Basketball we saw under Beilein.
The worst Michigan Basketball season since 1953. Let that sink in.
5 years removed from a National Title Appearance.pic.twitter.com/UC5wW5WBcO
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) February 25, 2024
Even the Michigan band couldn’t offset that Purdue crowd noise!
The Purdue crowd is louder than the Michigan band, for what it’s worth pic.twitter.com/PCA4eTrRwf
— Paul Branham (@BoilerPaulie) February 25, 2024
Wolverine fans have become frustrated with the trajectory of the program under head coach Juwan Howard. The product has gotten consistently worse each year he’s been at the helm, with this season being the most forgettable as Michigan has now fallen to 8-20.
Howard hasn’t done himself any favors by passing blame off to anyone and everyone outside of the UM coaching staff.
Many believe this is going to be his last leading the Maize and Blue. Howard doesn’t have many in his corner judging by the fan support this weekend.