5 things we learned from Michigan football win over Northwestern

Michigan football clinched a bowl berth on Saturday against Northwestern and here are five things we learned.

Nov 23, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) celebrates after a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Wink has figured things out as DC

It's easy to overreact and say that coordinators and coaches need to be fired. I was calling for Wink's head earlier this season -- for good reason, it felt -- but the past three weeks have been much better.

Since the Michigan State game really, the defense has looked much more like we expected. It would help if Will Johnson was able to play but I wouldn't expect it at this point. I have no doubt he's doing everything he can to play, but there's no point in risking his future either.

If Johnson was anywhere near 100 percent, this defense would be that much better. That defense might be able to hold Ohio State under 20 points. At the very least, it feels like Wink has realized the strength of the Michigan defense is the D-line.

Michigan had six sacks and eight tackles for loss. That's the kind of effort it will take to win next week, but as far as next season, Wink deserves another season based on the last month.

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