How Michigan football Defense Stacks Up Against Ohio State’s

More on Michigan football defense

For Michigan, it’s all about making the Buckeyes one-dimensional. Because Kyle McCord isn’t a runner, Ohio State is going to be relying heavily on Treyveon Henderson. If Michigan’s phenomenal run defense can stop Henderson on early downs and force the Buckeyes into obvious passing situations, the Wolverines will be in good shape.

A noteworthy observation is that Ohio State’s offensive line is not that good. The Buckeyes have allowed 18 sacks while racking up 21 themselves, for a difference of +3. Michigan, on the other hand, has allowed only 13 sacks while racking up 27. A +14 difference. Jesse Minter is phenomenal at creating pressure, and Kyle McCord is prone to being sacked.

McCord struggles with evading sacks and does not always protect the ball. Take the Penn State game, for example. The biggest play of the game was a holding penalty against the Penn State secondary that had no effect on the play. On that play, the Penn State pressure knocked the ball out of McCord’s hands, and the Nittany Lions returned it for a touchdown. The play was reversed by the penalty, but Penn State likely wins if that play stands.

If Michigan football can force McCord into a crucial fumble, it’ll be huge for the Wolverines.

Conclusion

These are two phenomenal defenses. It’s going to be incredible seeing which one breaks, and which one steps up to make huge plays. I think that the Wolverine defense has the advantage matchup-wise, but the Ohio State defense is full of NFL players and five-star recruits.

This is going to be quite the game, especially if the weather turns this into a defensive game. Go Blue!