Michigan Football: Grading the Wolverines win vs Washington

Defense: A-

So far so good when it comes to defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. The Wolverines have been able to generate pressure on the quarterback and after the run defense was a major weakness a year ago, it stood up against the Huskies and held them to 1.6 yards per carry.

Dylan Morris did end up throwing for 293 yards but it took 37 pass attempts and the Wolverines surrendered just one touchdown. They also got a key stop in the red zone, which was another struggle last season.

You can’t be much happier than allowing 12 points through two games of play. Michigan has just forced one turnover through two games, which is a little concerning, and defensive backs like Gemon Green have got to get their hands on the ball.

It’s inexplicable at times how the ball seems to avoid the hands of Michigan’s defensive backs. At some point though, you would think that would change and for this defense to realize its full potential, it will need to. It’s hard to beat elite teams without taking the ball away.

Yet, there were a ton of positives. Aidan Hutchinson was all over the place. Mazi Smith and Chris Hinton both played well on the interior, as did Kris Jenkins and Mike Morris was who effective setting the edge in the run game at defensive end.

Josh Ross did a good job pressuring the quarterback and Junior Colson continues to earn more playing time from the coaching staff. Brad Hawkins also had some clutch moments, forcing a fumble and also deflecting two passes.