How good is the Michigan Wolverines’ dominant defense? The numbers don’t lie. The 2023 Wolverines setting new records for points, yards allowed in Jim Harbaugh’s tenure.
Despite the sign-stealing scandal this fall, the No. 2 rated Michigan Wolverines are poised to make another run at the College Football Playoff for the third season in a row. The undefeated Wolverines are in fantastic shape ahead of a big conference game against Penn State on Saturday, thanks to talented teams on both sides of the ball.
Though the offense is scoring at a high rate (40.7 points per game) because to notable players like quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum, the Wolverines’ defense is more than up to the task. Michigan is on pace to have the strongest defense in college football in the last decade. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has been suspended by the Big Ten as part of an investigation into sign-stealing.
The 2023 Michigan Wolverines defense by the numbers
The Wolverines’ defense has allowed only 6.7 points and 231.4 yards per game in nine games this season. Both are the best in the FBS; no other club allows less than ten points per game.
The stop rate index calculated by The Athletic analyzes the proportion of a defense’s possessions that end in a turnover on downs, turnover, or punt. Michigan’s defense leads the FBS in stop rate (87.4%) and points per drive (0.63) this season. Only one other team, Ohio State, allows less than one point per drive (0.91).
In nine games this season, the Wolverines’ defense has allowed only 6.7 points and 231.4 yards per game. Both teams are the best in the FBS, with no other team allowing less than ten points per game.
The Athletic’s stop rate index examines the percentage of a defense’s possessions that end in a turnover on downs, turnover, or punt. This season, Michigan’s defense leads the FBS in stop rate (87.4%) and points per drive (0.63). Only Ohio State gives up less than one point per drive (0.91).
- D.J. Durkin (2015) who left after one season to become head coach at Maryland from 2016-2018
- Don Brown (2016-2020) who left to become the defensive coordinator at Arizona in 2021 and then the head coach of UMass in 2022
- Mike Macdonald (2021) who left to become defensive coordinator with theย Baltimore Ravens
- Jesse Minter (2022-present)
During Harbaugh’s tenure, the Wolverines’ defense hasn’t given up more than 21 points and 350 yards a game, with the exception of Brown’s last season on the sidelines. However, after nine games, the Wolverine defense this year is noticeably superior to any previous team he has coached.
If the Wolverines keep playing this well, they will be unique in recent college football history. In the last ten seasons, only Alabama in 2017 and 2016 have led the FBS in both points and yards allowed per game.
At 10.2, Georgia’s 2021 defense let up the fewest points per game in the previous ten years. At 239.7 yards per game, Wisconsin’s 2021 defense gave up the fewest yards per game. Now, Michigan has superior numbers than the two, even though they are ahead of the Wolverines’ most difficult schedule and a possible postseason run. College Football Fix in-depth: Is the Michigan sign-stealing scandal about to come to an end?
Wolverines’ depth of talent on defense
In recent years, Michigan has had its fair share of talented defensive players. Aidan Hutchinson, Mazi Smith, Dax Hill, and Kwity Payeโall first-round selections in the NFL Draftโall made contributions to Michigan’s defenses. Additionally, Wolverines have been picked after the first round. In the previous three drafts, five additional players were chosen following the opening round:
- 2021 NFL Draft: CB Ambry Thomas (third round), Cameron McGrone (LB)
- 2022 NFL Draft: DE David Ojabo (second round)
- 2023 NFL Draft: CB D.J. Turner (second round), DE Mike Morris (fifth round)
There is no one talent that dominates when there is a depth of talent. Rather, it’s a unit with members from the starting 11 contributing. Fifteen Wolverines defenders had at least one half-sack in 2022. Thirteen players have already achieved that goal this autumn. College Football Playoff rankings: Ohio State, Oklahoma among winners and losers
This year, there are no significant weaknesses that offenses can exploit. Kris Jenkins and Jalyen Harrell, two returning players, lead the front and have combined for five sacks and eight tackles for a loss. Transition edge Leading the team in both sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (6.5) is Josaiah Stewart. Once again this autumn, linebacker Junior Colson leads the team in tackles made. Will Johnson, Keon Sabb, and Mike Sainristil are all cornerbacks with at least one touchdown and several interceptions.
The Wolverines’ most formidable foe this season will be Penn State. Having had months to prepare, Michigan’s defense is ready to make an impression in a crucial Big Ten matchup on Saturday. Week 11 college football predictions: All of the Top 25 games as well as Michigan vs. Penn State