ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football has had unsuccessful seasons in its storied history, but maybe none have been as disastrous as this one.

A quarterback who appeared to have sustained a concussion was allowed to play on. A star defensive end was dismissed after being arrested and charged with domestic violence. The athletic director resigned after alienating alumni and students with a corporate approach that fell flat among a fan base that considers itself traditionalist with a dash of arrogance.

The waiting list for tickets is gone, and the streak of having more than 100,000 people at every game since 1975 nearly came to an end. The Wolverines are 5-6 under Brady Hoke, the embattled coach, and must beat their biggest rival, Ohio State, on Saturday to become eligible to play in a bowl game.