3 things holding back Michigan football defense from being elite

On paper, Michigan football should have one of the best defenses in college football this season. They have four potential first-round draft picks, a veteran NFL defensive coordinator, and pro-level talent at every position.

That's why it's so frustrating as a fan to watch Texas rack up nearly 400 yards and 24 first-half points. Whether it was letting the Longhorns convert on third and long or missing a clutch tackle, it felt like opportunities -- literally -- slipped through Michigan's hands all game. So what is going on with the Wolverine's defense and what is standing between them and living up to their high preseason expectations?

Depth and Experience

The biggest issue for Michigan's defense right now is depth. Last year's defensive coordinator Jesse Minter talked during 2023's fall camp about aiming to have 26 guys ready to play in the season opener on the defensive side of the ball.

Last year's Michigan football team was historically deep and had multiple starting-caliber players at every position. That meant that they could rotate guys in and out, keeping everyone fresh throughout the game. Players were constantly able to play at their best late into games. This was as much a part of their success as the clever schematics, if not more so.

Take last year's Big Ten Championship game against Iowa for example. In 2023 it was rare for any single player on defense to play more than 30-40 snaps during the entire game. Against Iowa the Wolverines only had four players play more than 40 snap, and only one of them (Mike Sainristil) played more than 50. In the Texas game all 11 starters played over 40 snaps, including nine playing more than 50 and five playing more than 60.

Yes, the top-end players on defense for the Wolverines are elite, but Michigan football is asking a lot out of them right now. Defensive Tackle Kenneth Grant for example played just 34 snaps against Iowa last year, in the Alabama game, which went to overtime, he played 34, and against Washington in the national championship, he played 37. Against Texas, he played 60. That's nearly double the amount of plays Michigan needs their star players on the field for.

The offense has to do its part and put together longer drives, control the football, and limit the opponent's possessions. But Michigan football just doesn't have as many guys as last year that they can trust right now.

Texas' game plan revolved around wearing out Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, then when they left the field Texas would run the ball up the middle against backup defensive linemen. I think that depth guys like Trey Pierce and Enow Etta have the talent, but as sophmores just don't have the experience yet.

That leaves Rayshaun Benny as the only non-starter on the interior of the defensive line that Michigan can trust right now. Defensive tackle is probably the most exhausting position on the field and this thin of a rotation puts Michigan in a lot of trouble.

Yet, across the board, Michigan just doesn't have enough depth on defense to compensate for an offense that is still finding its way, giving up turnovers and too many possessions to their opponents.