Grading Michigan Football’s defense/special teams vs Minnesota

Defensive line: B

If you include all the sacks, Michigan football only allowed 3.1 yards per attempt against the Gophers but there was too much push in the middle, especially early in the second half when the Gophers seemed determined to run right at the Wolverines.

Ohio State, Wisconsin and Alabama all did that last year and it was a worry going into 2020. Kwity Paye was a dominant force and notched two sacks but Aidan Hutchinson didn’t quite play as well as expected and Chris Hinton also didn’t stand out.

Julius Welschof made an impression a tackle for a loss and a sack and Carlo Kemp was solid in the middle too. But the run defense just has to be better and for that matter, Hutchinson needs to be more impactful.

Linebackers: B+

The linebackers also take their fair share of blame for not doing a better job against the run because some of the issues simply came down to tackling or a lack of it.

However, Michael Barrett was all over the place and his forced fumble, which led to a defensive touchdown by Donovan Jeter was probably the biggest play of the game. It took a rough start and turned it around quickly. Josh Ross also added an interception in his return to the lineup.

Barrett also looks like a superstar at viper and the former quarterback and running back, is going to be fun to watch this season. Cam McGrone was also solid but not spectacular.