Michigans defense was destroying Pennix and there was no reason to risk anything by throwing the ball. They played the game that was in front of them instead of insisting on running their “ offense “. That’s how the Falcons lost the Super Bowl.
The most important thing is he didn’t lose them the game. The game before he made huge play after huge play to beat Alabama in a thriller because it was required of him. That is also the hallmark of a great quarterback , knowing when and when not to !