Grading Michigan Football’s defense in loss to Michigan State

Linebackers: C

The linebackers weren’t great against the Spartans and part of the reason is that Cameron McGrone left the game due to injury and was replaced by Adam Shibley, who actually did fine is his place, even notching a tackle for loss.

But that was Shibley’s only solo tackle, while McGrone had three solo stops and matched his total of seven tackles. Josh Ross and Michael Barrett also had stops in the backfield, while the defensive line didn’t get any.

Obviously, the defensive line and linebackers play off each other and both position groups were part of a run defense that was OK. It certainly wasn’t as good as I was hoping, but it also didn’t give up a bunch of chunk plays either and allowed less than four yards per attempt.

Barrett also made one of the better plays by the defense in the game, knifing into the backfield for a third-down stop. McGrone’s absence was felt though and he’s one of the guys this defense counts on for impact plays, which were sorely missed and much needed on Saturday.