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Michigan Football: Grades, game balls from Wolverines win over ECU

By Chris Peterson

Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil jumps up to touch the banner as the team takes the field before U-M's 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil jumps up to touch the banner as the team takes the field before U-M's 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium. /
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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense: A-

East Carolina got some points on the board during the final drive but it was a dominant effort from the Michigan football defense on Saturday.

The only thing I’m going to deduct for, in terms of the grade, was the lack of pass rush. Michigan didn’t get any sacks on Saturday. The Wolverine also just had a few tackles for loss.

To be fair, East Carolina averaged fewer than five yards per pass attempt. The Pirates also averaged just 3.9 yards per rush and quarterback Mason Garcia was their leading rusher on scrambles with 36 total yards.

East Carolina managed just 12 first downs and didn’t reach 300 total yards. The U-M linebackers look as good as any group in the country. Again, the pass rush needs to be better but East Carolina also did what it could to get rid of the ball and still wasn’t effective.

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