The Michigan defence has shown to be one of the finest, if not the greatest, in the country, as projected entering into the 2023 season. Through the first six weeks, the Wolverine defence is ranked third in overall defence and first in scoring defence. Michigan’s defence has stopped opponents scoreless in 17 of the 24 quarters it has played, and it has yet to allow a single point in the third quarter. Michigan has also never allowed more than 7 points in a game once, when Minnesota scored 10 points in the first half last weekend. For what it’s worth, the Golden Gophers didn’t score another point the rest of the way.
For as good as Michigan’s defence has been, the number below may be one of the most impressive thus far. So far, Michigan has played 313 defensive snaps, none of which have been inside the 10-yard line. Simply put, after six weeks, Michigan has failed to defend a first-and-goal position.
This is still my favorite stat on Michigan's defense:
UM has played 313 plays on defense over its first 6 games. Not once have they had to defend a first-and-goal. Nobody has managed to run a play inside their 10.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) October 10, 2023
The brilliance of Michigan’s defence is that it has no flaws. The Wolverines have depth and experience at every position, led by Mike Sainristil, Rod Moore, Will Johnson, Braiden McGregor, Jaylen Harrell, Junior Colson, Mason Graham, and Kris Jenkins.
There’s little doubt that the competition will improve in the coming weeks, especially over the final three weeks of the regular season, when the Wolverines face Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State – three teams with a combined record of 15-1. Even with more difficult trials ahead, it’s evident that head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter have constructed a national championship-caliber defence.
Whether at home or away, it’s difficult for any opposition offence to make any headway against this Michigan defence – and the statistics prove it.
