Michigan's defense isn't elite or even good
It's time to face facts: This Michigan football defense isn't good.
The run defense was supposed to be good, yet USC, without its starting center or left tackle, ran all over the Wolverines to the tune of 224 yards.
Beyond that, Michigan barely pressured the quarterback. The Wolverines didn't get a single sack, which shouldn't surprise people, since they got just one last week.
In the five games outside of Nebraska, Michigan has six sacks. And even when the Wolverines got seven against Nebraska, they still should have allowed 30 points if not for a chip-shot field goal missed by the Huskers.
USC, Oklahoma, and Nebraska averaged over 27 points against Michigan. All three quarterbacks shredded Michigan, even Dylan Raiola of Nebraska when he was upright.
Jayden Maiava probably looked as comfortable as he does during scout team reps during practice. That's how little Michigan affected the quarterback. Wink Martindale had no answers. Not for the screens. Not for anything.
Lincoln Riley ate his lunch, just like every other competent offense has done this season. And outside of a three-game stretch to close out 2024, the hire of Wink Martindale as defensive coordinator feels like a massive mistake.