Wolverine Digest

Michigan Football: Defensive rankings concerning after two weeks

Chris Breiler

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) and defensive end Derrick Moore (8) tackle Texas running back Jaydon Blue (23) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) and defensive end Derrick Moore (8) tackle Texas running back Jaydon Blue (23) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 7, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Although there were significant question marks about the Michigan offense heading into the 2024 season, the defense was expected to be one of the best in the nation. Featuring three guys who are projected to be first-round selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, most believed that the defensive unit would be good enough to keep the Wolverines in every game on the 2024 schedule. After Saturday's performance against Texas, that belief is now in question.

Through the first two weeks, the Wolverines rank near the bottom of the Big Ten conference in several key categories. Although they've been relatively solid against the run, the Michigan defense is ranked near the bottom of college football when it comes to passing defense - ranking 98th nationally in pass yards allowed and 127th in yards per completion. Most surprisingly, Michigan ranks 17th in the Big Ten in total defense, with only Maryland having a worse performance through two weeks.

There's no question that the magnificent performance from Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense is playing a huge factor in these rankings, but nobody expected this Michigan defense to be statistically one of the worst in college football after Week 2.

Michigan Football
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) and defensive end Derrick Moore (8) tackle Texas running back Jaydon Blue (23) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 7, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Here's where the Wolverines currently rank both nationally and within the Big Ten conference after two weeks:

Pass Yards Allowed

  • Nationally: 98th
  • Big Ten: 17th

Passing Yards Per Completion

  • Nationally: 127th
  • Big Ten: 18th

Rushing Yards Allowed

  • Nationally: 25th
  • Big Ten: 7th

First Downs Allowed

  • Nationally: 78th
  • Big Ten: 16th

3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense

  • Nationally: 108th
  • Big Ten: 17th

Scoring Defense (PPG)

  • Nationally: 70th
  • Big Ten: 17th

Total Defense

  • Nationally: 71st
  • Big Ten: 17th

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Chris Breiler
CHRIS BREILER

Christopher Breiler launched Winged Helmet Media and began covering the Michigan Football program in an unofficial capacity in 2017. He then joined Wolverine Digest as part of the FanNation network in 2021 as a contributing writer, where he served as both a writer and a photographer on game days. In 2024, he took over as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI. His love for Michigan Football brought him into the industry, and his passion for being a content creator has led to some amazing experiences along the way.

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