The defense will be dominant again
It turns out that all of the Wolverines opting out was a blessing in disguise. I've been saying for years that Derrick Moore will be a first-round pick someday and he showed why on Tuesday.
Moore was part of a defensive line that sacked Jalen Milroe and pressured him on 41 percent of his passes. The Wolverines had 27 total pressures -- five more than the Ohio State game.
Before both the Ohio State and Alabama games, I said Michigan's best path to an upset win started with its pass-rush
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) January 1, 2025
The Wolverines combined for 48 QB pressures in the 2 games, per PFF, and the teams were a combined 6-for-26 passing when under pressure
Statement(s) made pic.twitter.com/mRqTb067cD
The fact that the Wolverines did it without Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart was impressive as hell. T.J. Guy was just as effective and Rayshaun Benny also looked like an early-round pick. All three did. Cameron Brandt and Trey Pierce played well too.
Frankly, who wouldn't want to play for Wink Martindale and Michigan? The Wolverines allowed a combined three points to Ohio State and Alabama in the second half of those wins. In the ReliaQuest Bowl, they did it with nine, sometimes 10 players on the field who should be back next season.
I say should because you never know with the NFL draft, but if Benny, Moore, and Guy all return, this defense will be elite. Again.
The fact that they did all this with Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill, and Aamir Hall at cornerback, who are all expected back next season, is even more impressive.
Player development was a staple of the Jim Harbaugh era. You wondered how it would look under Sherrone Moore, but if the defense is any indication, it's still a strength.
Now, picture the defense we saw on Tuesday, paired with an improved offensive line, the No. 1 overall quarterback/veteran Mikey Keene, the No. 1 transfer portal running back, and more names to be added.
The future is bright and not just because of Bryce Underwood.