Nick Saban breaks down Michigan defense: 'They gave us fits last year in the Playoff'

Chris Breiler | 19 Hours Ago

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) blocks Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Although it was certainly a loss to the game of college football when Nick Saban announced his retirement following the 2023 season, having him as part of ESPN's College Gameday crew is almost better. Not only have fans been given a window into the personality of the former Alabama head coach, but Saban is always good for providing a unique perspective on the game that only a coach of his caliber can provide.

On Saturday, Saban went into the film room to break down the Michigan defense and what makes the Wolverines so good. There's no doubt that he has as good of an understanding as anyone when it comes to the Michigan defense, considering it was the last defense he faced as a college football coach in the 2024 Rose Bowl.

Saban credits the dominance of guys like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant as the leading reason why Michigan is able to play so aggressively on the defensive side of the ball. They're arguably the top DT duo in all of college football, and Saban highlights just how big of an advantage that is for the Wolverines.

Nick Saban breaks down Michigan's defense after their National Championship ✍️

🎥 @CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/EOnDlM2M2q

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 5, 2024

"It's hard to play this kind of defense unless you've got really good people up front who can stop the run and create the situation for you to play that defense."

Although the Michigan defense is extremely talented, we've yet to see the Wolverines put together a full four quarter performance through the first five weeks. In fact, Michigan has been outscored 57-26 in the second half of the last three games combined, a trend that has nearly caused the Wolverines to suffer multiple losses in conference play.

In order to get the road victory against Washington on Saturday night, the Wolverines will need to get a better effort from their defensive unit - and it starts up front with Graham and Grant.

The Wolverines and the Huskies kickoff in Seattle at 7:30 pm ET on NBC.

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