Big-picture takeaways for Michigan football after the first four games

Big-picture takeaways for Michigan football after the first four games.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) celebrates a touchdown against Central Michigan during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) celebrates a touchdown against Central Michigan during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The defense is getting there

If Michigan didn't allow Nebraska to attempt a Hail Mary before the half, or allow a drive to continue with a really bad personal foul penalty, the Huskers might have been held to 20 points or less.

Most weeks that will be good enough to get it done. There are some other mobile quarterbacks to worry about, but moving Jaishawn Barham to EDGE was a game-changer for the defense. He's leading the team in sacks and could probably reach double digits. He's that good.

Cole Sullivan has taken a huge step forward, plus Rod Moore is back. Jayden Sanders and Shamari Earls have each held up well as freshman. Zeke Berry should come back, and with Moore getting more comfortable each week, the secondary should only get better.

Maybe the most encouraging thing from the Nebraska game was the way Rayshaun Benny and Derrick Moore got after it. If the defensive line, which got 33 pressures against Nebraska, can play with that intensity each and every week, it will dominate.