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5 things we learned from Michigan football’s third straight Big Ten title

By Chris Peterson

Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan and coach Jim Harbaugh after U-M's 26-0 win over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Indianapolis.
Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan and coach Jim Harbaugh after U-M's 26-0 win over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Indianapolis. /
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Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann celebrates a tackle against Iowa running back Leshon Williams during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann celebrates a tackle against Iowa running back Leshon Williams during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. /

The best defense in college football

Even against Iowa, a shutout in a championship game is always impressive and not only did the Wolverines not allow Iowa to score, they were responsible directly for 10 Michigan points.

The forced fumble by Mike Sainristil gave Michigan a first-and-goal, which led to the second Blake Corum touchdown. Another forced fumble by Braiden McGregor led to a field goal.

The pass rush was relentless and the run defense was suffocating. Iowa had just 35 rushing yards. Deacon Hill averaged less than four yards per pass attempt.

It’s been a master class all season by Jesse Minter. Some ignorant pundits in the national media tried to blame it all on the signs, but only two teams have scored 20 points on Michigan this season and no defense in college football is playing better.

Defense led Michigan to a national title in 1997 and it’s the biggest reason why the Wolverines will head to the College Football Playoff ranked No. 1.

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