Michigan football's biggest concern coming out of Week 7

When we look back on this Michigan football season, the USC game will be a turning point.

It will be either be the time that the Wolverines started to turn things around, after rock bottom, or it will be what leads to another disappointing season.

The 2024 season was a success, because Michigan beat Ohio State. The win over Alabama made Michigan fans feel better about it, but the Wolverines finished unranked. They missed the playoff. That shouldn't happen two years in a row. Definitely not three.

The biggest concern for Michigan football after Week 7

While the offense was far from perfect -- there weren't any drops. That was the concern coming out of the Wisconsin game.

This week, it feels like there is a five-alarm fire on defense. Michigan allowed nearly 500 yards against USC and 31 points. It wasn't an anomaly, though. Against Nebraska, Oklahoma, and USC, the Wolverines have allowed an average of 27 points per game and 284 passing yards per game.

Against USC, Michigan's defense gave up a 61-percent success rate. According to Bill Radjewski, that's the worst game he has had for Michigan on record, dating back to 2003. This isn't something we have seen since the days of Don Brown or Rich Rod.

Washington and QB Demond Williams will provide a huge test. Williams throws for 271 yards per game to go along with 63 rushing yards per game for 334 total. He's got 14 touchdowns (10 passing), 4 rushing) and just one interception.

Washington rushes for 188 yards per game. The Huskies are scoring 39.2 points per game. Ohio State held them to seven. Michigan is capable of that. But Wink needs to simplify the defense and get back to what worked at the end of last season.

The Wolverines need to be less exotic, play fewer players, and tackle better, something players said Wink has made a focus this week. It better work because right now, the defense is Michigan's biggest concern coming out of Week 7.