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How Michigan football Defense Stacks Up Against Ohio State’s

By Jordan Bruetsch

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. /
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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Taulia Tagovailoa #3 of the Maryland Terrapins fumbles the ball after being hit by Michael Barrett #23 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first quarter at SECU Stadium on November 18, 2023 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Taulia Tagovailoa #3 of the Maryland Terrapins fumbles the ball after being hit by Michael Barrett #23 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first quarter at SECU Stadium on November 18, 2023 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

Michigan football defense

Michigan football’s defense has been tremendous all season long, but they were tested last week against Maryland. After dominating early in the game and leading 23-3, the Wolverine defense was gashed by Taulia Tagovailoa. The Maryland quarterback was finding open receiver after open receiver, definitely giving the Buckeyes an idea of how to attack this defense.

When it was crunch time, however, the defense stood tall. Mike Sainristil came down with two interceptions, Kenneth Grant had a huge sack, and the defensive line forced a safety from intentional grounding, set up by a beautiful Tommy Doman punt.

Statistically, this defense is very similar to Ohio State. The Wolverines are allowing just 9 points per game, with a season-high of 24 against Maryland last week. On the ground, this defense has been elite. The Wolverines are giving up 90 rushing yards per game while allowing 3 per carry.

Shutting down Treyveon Henderson and the Buckeye rushing attack is going to be crucial on Saturday. A positive for the Wolverines is that Kyle McCord is not mobile whatsoever.

Could I see the Buckeyes trying to throw the Wolverines off with a read option? Maybe. But McCord is not mobile and is nursing a leg injury. The rushing attack for the Buckeyes is all about the running backs.

Through the air, the Wolverine defense is allowing 144.82 yards per game, nearly equal to the Buckeyes’ mark and good enough for second in the nation. Michigan’s pass-defense approach is to not give up big plays. The Wolverines will consistently give up short yardage completions, and are very focused on the bend don’t break mantra.

Maryland was able to take advantage of the defense with 247 passing yards on 21 completions. Michigan is undoubtedly going to be better prepared against Ohio State, but that is a concern for the Wolverines.

Against Penn State, the Wolverine defense gave up only 74 passing yards but gave up 164 rushing yards. Drew Allar was responsible for 49 of those rushing yards, and Kaytron Allen had a 34-yard rush. Taking away those, the Wolverines gave up 81 other rushing yards on 24 carries or about 3.4 per carry.

That’s not bad, and if the Wolverines can prevent big plays against the Buckeyes, they’ll be in great shape.

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