this is why I think Michigan could be something special this year....not even JJ leveling up or the RBs....it's that defense. right now they're giving up 5.3 PPG, but remove 4th QTRs where they haven't played a single starter and they're giving up 2 PPG and 72 rushing yards on 60 carries. That's 8.0 yards per quarter and 1.2 yards per carry. That's pretty gnarly, regardless of who you're playing.
This has been without playing starting CB1 Will Johnson, starting FS Rod Moore, and starting SS Makari Paige yet- who by the way are all very good players and future NFL draft picks.
I don't think Jesse Minter was lying when he said this defense will be better than it was last year or when Jeem said this could wind up being the best defense he's ever coached. They rotate 3 guys at ILB and basically have 3 starters for 2 spots there. Hausman from the portal was a blessing, he's a flat out stud. Junior Colson, stud. Mike Barrett really solid 6th year college LB. They have never had a DT room as deep or good. Kris Jenkins and Kenneth Grant are going to be first rd NFL draft picks one day. And Mason Graham might be a better college player than either of them. Rayshaun Benny is an immovable mountain of a man vs the run. Cam Goode is their 5th DT and he might actually be a starter on a few B1G teams this year. And that EDGE room has legit 4 DUDES and is only scratching the surface with how good they can be. They should be able to rotate their front 7 in waves and wear down most teams they play this year. They need to get their starting secondary pieces back healthy and lock-in CB2 spot, but man that defense could wind up being something special this year.
