Michigan football: Grades, game balls from win over Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 07: J.J. McCarthy #9 (L) and AJ Barner #89 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Wolverines defeated the Golden Gophers 52-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

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Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense: A

The dominance of the defense went well beyond the two defensive touchdowns scored by Will Johnson and Keon Sabb.

Michigan’s pass defense was so good that the Wolverines gained more yards returning the two Minnesota interceptions than the Gophers had passing yards.

That 52-yard passing total including a 35-yard touchdown pass right before the half. Outside of that, Minnesota had one pass completed of more than 10 yards.

Yet, that touchdown is enough to drop the grade down from an A+ to an A. Jim Harbaugh said that Michigan football played the wrong coverage. Regardless, it’s a mistake that can’t happen in that situation.

You can’t allow a touchdown late in a half against someone like Ohio State or Penn State. It’s also the third straight game that Michigan has allowed a touchdown of more than 30 yards.

Outside of those plays, the defense has been incredible. Minnesota was the first team to reach 10 points, but the second in a row to rush for over 100 yards.

There are a few things to clean up. But Michigan has been the best defense in college football all the same.

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