Michigan Football: 3 Takeaways from win over Middle Tennessee State

Defense Had Its Moments

Despite being shorthanded, being put in short-field positions and a fluke play, the defense was stout. The defensive line got in the face of Asher O’Hara for a good amount of the night. They managed to bring the heat thanks to the lack of pass blocking on certain downs. Overall, the Wolverines finished with two sacks, four hurries and five tackles for loss.

Ambry Thomas was a prime beneficiary of that pass rush. His stat line at the end of the night didn’t really give him the proper accolades that he deserved. This was a guy who about a week ago seemed destined to miss a few weeks, but instead, he was making significant plays in the first matchup of the year. His skills are a nothing but a welcome sight to an already intense defense.

Altogether the defense held the Blue Raiders well under their norm from 2018. Heralded wideout Ty Lee only gained 52 yards on just four grabs. Meanwhile, the running game could only muster 67 yards and 217 through the air. It appeared as if Rick Stockstill‘s offense missed his son from graduation and looked a bit out of sorts besides a couple of snaps.