Michigan Football: Grading defense and special teams vs Penn State

Michigan football’s defense had another disappointing showing against Penn State and here are the grades.

The analysis about Michigan football‘s defense probably sounds like a broken record at this point with many of the same conclusions: Tackling issues, a lack of turnovers and no pressure.

Those have been the biggest issues with Michigan’s defense and they were the issue against Penn State on Saturday. There were tons of missed tackles which led to 254 yards rushing and five yards per attempt for the winless Nittany Lions.

The Wolverines didn’t force a single turnover and only managed one sack. It was another rough outing but it wasn’t all bad and here are the grades for the defense and special teams:

Defensive line: D-

Despite the return of Kwity Paye to the lineup, Michigan football still struggled to generate a pass rush and managed just one sack and two tackles for loss.

That’s been a constant problem all season long and it’s been that way since game two against Michigan State. Injuries have played a role and Taylor Upshaw finished with a sack, as well as a tackle for loss while Mazi Smith also had a tackle for loss.

Over the next few weeks, Smith, Chris Hinton, Upshaw and others such as Julius Welschof will need to continue their development and the staff will need to give them plenty of reps if more games are played (Michigan is paused due to COVID-19).

There were some promising moments, but for the most part, the Penn State offensive line controlled things and that was a huge difference in the game.

Linebackers: F

Adam Shibley started the game and played 67 snaps according to Rivals in the place of Cam McGrone and he wasn’t good. He missed tackles and it left you wondering why Michigan football doesn’t have a better option than walk-ons at linebacker and safety with starters out.

Where are all the four-star recruits that the Wolverines have signed over the past few classes and the coaches have talked up so much? Michael Barrett hasn’t done much as Viper since the first week but we have barely seen Anthony Solomon and William Mohan.

Josh Ross had 12 tackles and he is who he is at this point. But overall, the linebackers didn’t play well and if there isn’t any other options, that’s worrisome.

Secondary: B

All in all, the secondary played pretty well for the most part. Of course, they gave up too many plays on third downs and that was frustrating, but pass breakups also led to Penn State actually having to kick some field goals.

Gemon Green built on some solid play lately and while he may never get an interception, he has been getting his hand of the ball quite frequently. Sean Clifford threw the ball 28 times, completing 17 passes for an average of 5.8 yards per attempt. You’ll take that any time from your passes defense.

One thing that continues to hurt though is a lack of impact plays. The play on the ball has been better the last couple of weeks but whether it’s Hill or Green, someone in this secondary needs to start making a turnover play or two.

Green did strip a ball out, but it was a fraction too late and the Penn State player’s knee hit the ground, otherwise it was returned for a touchdown. As far as those kind of bounces, Michigan really hasn’t gotten any breaks at this point.

Special teams: D

The fumble by Mike Sainristil was inexcusable. Sure he was put into a tough position but it wasn’t a tough catch and that fumble really took some air out of the sails.

Blake Corum went back there in the absence of Giles Jackson and he also muffed a punt, but was able to get the ball back.

Other than that, the punting wasn’t anything spectacular and maybe the best thing you could say is that Jake Moody made a field goal and didn’t miss an extra point.