Michigan Football: Grading Wolverines win vs Western Michigan

Defense: B

After allowing Western Michigan to score on the opening drive of the game, Michigan football was stingy on defense and the debut of Mike Macdonald had to be considered a success.

Against a quarterback like Kaleb Eleby — with two of his top wideouts back from last season — giving up just 14 points was a win, especially since one of those touchdowns came well after the outcome was decided.

The run defense did allow 3.9 yards per attempt, which could have been better but Eleby barely completed over 50 percent of his throws and the defensive backs improved as the game went on, after struggling with some plays on the ball early.

I’m still worried about some of the guys in coverage. Gemon Green still needs to do a better job of finding the ball. Vincent Gray did seem to improve but there were interceptions to be had — Brad Hawkins dropped one — and the Wolverines didn’t make any.

They also registered just one sack and weren’t able to come away with a turnover. That needs to change this week if the Wolverines want to win against Washington.