There are definitely things for Michigan football fans to be concerned about after two weeks, but the defense isn't one of them.
The Wolverines are allowing just 11 points per game over two weeks, which ranks 18th in college football. Despite playing two teams that won 10 games a season ago, the Wolverines are also giving up just 255 yards per game.
Western Michigan's offense is better than many people are giving them credit for. Broc Lowry was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Jalen Buckley rushed for over 1,000 yards, and the offensive line is talented. Yet, Michigan held the Broncos to just 2.9 yards per rushing attempt.
Western gained just 229 yards and wouldn't have scored 10 points without Michigan football turning the ball over.
Last week, against Oklahoma, the defense was even better. John Matter completed just 16-of-31 passes. The Wolverines forced two turnovers and held the Sooners to just 289 yards.
The pass rush was excellent. So was the coverage and the run defense. Oklahoma didn't really have anything it could hang its hat on, compared to Michigan, which was able to churn out 152 yards on the ground.
"They're gonna take your lunch money, and they don't care about after-school detention."
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 17, 2026
🗣️ @Jbooty88 on No. 19 @UMichFootball's defense#B1GToday pic.twitter.com/86ZFuCfyJA
"What makes it work is it's true team defense," Big Ten Network analyst Jake Butt said. "The secondary's ability to play man-to-man coverage, but also play zone, is a great luxury. They can play any coverage. That means quarterbacks hold onto the ball a little longer because the picture is changing. The issue is when you hold onto the ball, the hungry dogs are hunting (D-line). Michigan's defensive line is playing with a hunger and a tenacity; it was truly bully ball.
"They're gonna take your lunch money, and they don't care about after-school detention."
Michigan defense hopes to bully UTEP
Next up for the Wolverines is UTEP. The Miners scored zero points against Oklahoma, but 51 points the next week against Texas Southern.
UTEP should struggle to hold up in the trenches. The Wolverines defensive line should dominate. Michigan's secondary has been the most impressive part of the team to me. You actually feel comfortable watching these corners play man coverage.
They can do a lot more, but that is a luxury. Even the linebackers, a supposed weakness before the season, have exceeded expectations. Jay Hill looks like the next great Michigan defensive coordinator, and who knows, maybe even the next head coach.
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