Michigan Football: Grading the Wolverines against Wisconsin

Defense:  F

The fact that Don Brown is still employed as Michigan football’s defensive coordinator tells you all you need to know about Jim Harbaugh. The evidence that Brown needs to go has been prevalent for years now.

This joke of a defense just allowed 87 points in two games to Indiana and Wisconsin, as well as 31 points to a Michigan State that seems incapable of scoring on anybody else.

I get that Aidan Hutchinson was out and Kwity Paye too, but come on, this defense is beyond bad and even though it’s not all Brown’s fault, someone has to pay the price at some point.

It’s like when players constantly make mistakes and aren’t pulled. If there is no consequence, then what’s the point?

For instance, Josh Ross should not be playing. He’s slow, cannot tackle and had a chance to make a sack last night and completely whiffed. Play someone who will improve, not get worse.

The same goes for the secondary. Vincent Gray was better but mostly because Wisconsin barely had to throw the ball. For the love of god, play Andre Seldon or Darion Green-Warren or someone.

This team desperately needs a wake-up call and if Harbaugh had any clue, he’d give Brown his walking papers. Why wait until the end of the season to do something that’s inevitable?

Harbaugh might be back as head coach, but there is no way in hell Don Brown returns, at least he shouldn’t seeing that Michigan is allowing 420 yards and 34.5 points per game. There is a talent issue on this team, but coaches are supposed to get the most of out their players and it’s not happening.

The defense for a third straight game, failed to record a turnover. For the season, Michigan football has forced just one, yes one. The Wolverines did notch a sack last night, their first in the last few games, but still, the lack of defensive production is disturbing.