3 predictions for Michigan football defense in 2024

A national championship caliber defense

Last season, Michigan football allowed opponents to get just three yards per rushing attempt. I have a hard time seeing that number go lower than that. It's possible because the D-line will be elite but there isn't as much depth.

However, the new defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale is also going to be aggressive. He won't be at all like Don Brown, but I do think he'll confuse opposing quarterbacks.

It all starts with the running game. Michigan could drop off a little there but the Wolverines pass defense could be as good as any team in the country.

That being said, I don't see Michigan leading the nation in scoring defense again. The offense plays a role in all of that too. If there are more turnovers or fewer points scored, it will impact the defense.

Michigan had an elite ball-control offense that rarely put the defense in a bad position. Certainly, that's the goal for Sherrone Moore's offense in 2024, but it's much easier said than done.

So I see the stats falling off a little bit. The takeaways and sacks could increase, along with points allowed and yards, but either way, this will be a national-championship caliber defense.