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Grades, game balls for Michigan football vs. Bowling Green

By Chris Peterson

Sep 16, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands off to running back Donovan Edwards (7) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands off to running back Donovan Edwards (7) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins celebrates his interception against the Bowling Green Falcons during second half action Saturday, Sept.16 2023.
Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins celebrates his interception against the Bowling Green Falcons during second half action Saturday, Sept.16 2023. /

Defense: A

Whenever I’m a little worried about this Michigan football team and its hopes of being a national title contender,  I think back to the dominance of the defense.

Yes, Michigan’s defense hasn’t been challenged. Bowling Green, UNLV, and East Carolina don’t have high-flying offenses, but Michigan has only allowed them to score a combined 16 points and 10 of those were on the final possessions of the first two games against backups.

Yet, on Saturday, Bowling Green was given the ball in a good spot a couple of times and had to settle for field goals.

Kris Jenkins also made the interception, which was one of three takeaways. The Wolverines also had three sacks and Bowling Green only had 205 total yards, as well as 81 yards rushing on the ground.

The defense has been lights out and an elite defense can carry you a long way.

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