Grading Michigan Football’s defense in loss to Michigan State

Special teams: B

One week after struggling against Minnesota, the special teams were probably the one area where Michigan football improved against the Spartans.

Quinn Nordin was back as the place kicker and he made a field goal, as well as all five of his extra points. Twice in the second half, U-M was able to down punts inside the five-yard line and even though Giles Jackson gave every Michigan fan a heart attack, he notched both a kick and punt return of more than 30 yards.

The onside kick attempt though wasn’t good. It didn’t even give the Wovlerines a chance at recovering it.

Coaching: F

To be blunt, the coaching staff did a terrible job in this game. I don’t want to criticize the play-calling because there is much more that goes into that than meets the eye, but the wildcat pass by Hassan Haskins was a bad decision

At this point, we know what Don Brown is, he did mix up some zone things, so it wasn’t like he sat there and played all man coverage, but his corners need a lot more help or the personnel needs to change and someone like Andre Seldon needs a chance. Hill also might need to be permanent corner for the rest of the season.

On a larger scale though, the Wolverines just weren’t ready for a rivalry game and that’s inexcuseable. Michigan had the chance to establish itself as the in-state power and missed out on that opportuntiy, which is something U-M will regret.

Also, the clock management on the final offensive drive was terrible. Once U-M was in field goal range, it should have taken some shots to the end zone or kicked a field goal.

The strategy of keeping your timeouts isn’t worth much if you waste so much clock you burn one and the other team can still just take a knee.

U-M was down by 10 and needed two scores. Getting the touchdown first is obviously ideal, but the Wolverines needed to be more aggressive in going for it.

They also should have kicked a field goal before using a timeout. That would have at least given the defense a chance to get Joe Milton the ball back with a chance to tie.

Instead, Michigan wasted the clock and it’s best chance of a comeback.