Ad Disclosure
Don Brown details success of Michigan defense
Published:
There’s no arguing that Michigan’s defense is one of the best units in the country. For several weeks now, it’s actually looked like the best in the nation.
Defensive success is nothing new in Ann Arbor. Since Don Brown has been running the show, the Wolverines have been one of the stingiest teams on that side of the football. But what’s the secret behind that success?
Brown detailed some of the reasons why this year’s defense is performing at such a high level.
“Had a really focused practice week,” Brown said on the Jamie and Stoney Show on 97.1 The Fan. “We’re practicing at a really high level so you have kind of what you’re going to get on Saturdays. I thought we got a max effort [against] Penn State.”
Michigan’s defense held the Nittany Lions to just 186 yards and seven points last Saturday. Those were the lowest totals for the program since 2015.
A few weeks before, the Wolverines held Michigan State’s offense to just 94 yards in a 21-7 victory.
For the season, Michigan leads the nation in total defense, pass defense and sacks. It also ranks in the top 10 in rush defense and points allowed. Brown said the reason behind such impressive numbers is because the group is playing together.
“Probably the most important piece,” Brown said. “Nobody cares who gets the credit.”
Thanks to such strong effort defensively, the Wolverines are now in the College Football Playoff picture, sitting at No. 4 in the rankings. With Rutgers and Indiana remaining on the schedule, it’s almost a guarantee Michigan enters the season finale against Ohio State with a 10-1 record.
The end of the year clash will be the final stop on Michigan’s “Revenge Tour.” If the Wolverines give max effort in a few weeks, they’ll likely punch their ticket to a semifinal appearance.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB