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Florida’s Dan Mullen lauds Michigan’s ‘aggressive, creative’ defense
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Through 11 games this season, Michigan’s defense was considered to be the best in the nation. Statistically, it was in the top 10 in the country in most of the major categories.
Allowing Ohio State to score 62 points in a blowout loss at the end of the regular season changed the perception of that vaunted Wolverines defense. While that’s certainly understandable, Michigan’s success on that side of the football shouldn’t be judged on just one game.
The fact is, Michigan’s defense is still one of the best in the country. Florida head coach Dan Mullen completely understands the challenge the Wolverines pose to offenses.
Michigan and Florida will clash in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 29, marking the third time the two teams have gone head to head in the last four seasons. Despite the rocky finish to the season, Mullen is still worried about Don Brown’s defense.
“I’ve seen a little bit more of their defense,” Mullen said. “It’s very aggressive and attacking and comes at you from a lot of different angles.”
Mullen also said that Harbaugh’s teams aren’t “afraid to think outside the box” and get “creative” defensively.
While the Wolverines and Gators have gotten familiar with each other, this will be the first matchup between Mullen and Harbaugh with the two programs. This Florida team — particularly on offense — won’t look anything like the Jim McElwain-coached Gators.
All-time Michigan leads the series 4-0 against Florida with three of those wins coming in bowl games. If the Wolverines post a win this season, it’ll be the first time the program has hit 11 wins since 2011.
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