5 things we learned from Michigan Football win over Colorado State

This is a championship defense

People sort of dismissed it when Jim Harbaugh said this “no-name” defense could be better than the 2021 team that won the Big Ten title, but he might be right.

It’s only one game and we need to remember that. But the depth, speed, and talent are impressive. The front seven owned the line of scrimmage allowing 82 yards on 39 carries, which is barely more than two yards per attempt.

But the D-line should dominate. Mazi Smith is going to be a first or second-round draft pick. Guys like that don’t grow on trees and he might be an All-American. Junior Colson too and he had 10 tackles on Saturday.

But next to Smith is Kris Jenkins, transfer Cam Goode, freshman Mason Graham, who had a half-sack and linebacker Michael Barrett had a sack starting for Nikhai Hill-Green.

The secondary is loaded too. DJ Turner was outstanding in coverage and those guys deserve credit for some of the sacks too because there wasn’t anywhere to throw the ball.

Colorado State tested Will Johnson a couple of times and he got beat for a score but he’ll learn. He also had a nice pass breakup in the first quarter. Plus if the five-star freshman, who is going to be elite is our fourth-best corner, I’m good with that.

And after watching Turner, Mike Sainristil, who had a sack, and Gemon Green, it’s not going to be easy for Johnson to move up the depth chart.

By the way, RJ Moten and Rod Moore are an underrated safety tandem and Rod Moore, who notched a pick on Saturday, will have a breakout season.