5 things we learned in Michigan Football’s win over Maryland
![Nov 20, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Nov 20, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d2cdccb52a639cb41f95a4fdeeecd7837f1a1a5928c46fa1b1eb709a49cfd855.jpg)
Pass defense is much improved
While the offense has a bunch of ascending players — let’s not forget about the defense and one guy on the rise lately has been cornerback, DJ Turner.
He’s been playing a lot this year and has been starting lately with the injury to Gemon Green and Turner has more than met the challenge. Against Maryland, he notched his second interception of the season in the third quarter and returned it for a touchdown.
Turner has been on the rise but the same can be said about Vincent Gray. Now, the Wolverines weren’t perfect. Maryland had some open guys that Taulia Tagovailoa missed. C.J. Stroud won’t miss those next week.
Still, limiting Tagovailoa to 178 yards and 5.4 yards per attempt was impressive and while he also was dealing with pressure in his face all night, this secondary has dramatically improved under Steve Clinkscale, who with another good week, could be promoted to Co-defensive coordinator.