Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from an ornery win over New Mexico

New Mexico gave Michigan football everything it could handle in a feisty first time ever matchup.
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2. Michigan's defense was a little agitating despite some correctable errors

Compared to what we expected to see and what we witnessed last season, Wink Martindale's vaunted unit struggled at times, but still had a grasp of the New Mexico offense. They gave up a nifty trick play for a touchdown that is rarely seen on fourth and goal that could have been a defining stop for the cavalry. Andrew Marsh's turnover on the ensuing kickoff put them in an unenviable spot, but New Mexico only settled for three.

New Mexico's other touchdown came on the inauspicious drive that was marred by penalties and a missed review. Other then that, Michigan's defense still created three turnovers and just as many sacks. They harassed Jack Layne into some serious painful hits that he will feel tomorrow.

The defensive meetings were probably watching a ton of Idaho film from last year and didn't know what to expect on certain plays from a practically retooled offense, like the tailback pass to Dorian Thomas for six. Take away the Arizona transfer's output and New Mexico doesn't surpass 200 yards of total offense.