Michigan Football: Grading the Wolverines win over Nebraska

Defense: A+

Outside of not allowing a field goal, it’s hard to imagine what the Michigan football defense could have done better against Nebraska.

A turnover would have been nice. But there were so many three-and-outs, it didn’t really matter. Jim Hermann, the DC of the 1997 national championship team said a three-and-out is just like a turnover, and this defense lives that philosophy.

Take out the points allowed on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, as well as the interception for a touchdown run back by Penn State, and Michigan has allowed 30 points and 34 first downs total in the last four games.

Nebraska had eight first downs and didn’t threaten to score much outside of its one trip to the red zone. Anthony Grant, who has had five 100-yard games and averaged over five yards per carry against Minnesota and Illinois, ran 11 times for 22 yards.

Trey Palmer caught five passes for 12 yards on 10 targets. All three levels dominated and Michigan’s defensive tackle room is loaded. Even if Kris Jenkins and Mazi Smith leave for the NFL, Mason Graham is a freak. So is Kenneth Grant and Rayshaun Benny gets better and better.

Michigan football is set there and I said in another post, this defense is elite.