Michigan Football: This Crazy Statistic Shows Just How Good The Wolverine Defense Has Been

The Michigan defense has been one of the best in the nation through six weeks, and their dominance is impossible to ignore.

As expected heading into the 2023 season, the Michigan defense has proven to be one of the best - if not the best - in the country. Through the first six weeks, the Wolverine defense currently ranks No. 3 nationally in total defense and No. 1 nationally in scoring defense. 

The Michigan defense has held opponents scoreless in 17 of 24 total quarters played, and it has yet to allow a single point in the 3rd quarter. Michigan has also given up more than 7 points in a game just once, when Minnesota managed to score 10 points in the first half last weekend. For what its worth, the Golden Gophers wouldn't score a single point for the rest of the contest. 

For as impressive as the Michigan defense has been, the stat below might be one of the most impressive so far. Michigan has played a total of 313 snaps on defense so far, and none of them have occurred within the 10-yard line. Put simply, Michigan has yet to defend a first-and-goal situation after six weeks. 

This is still my favorite stat on Michigan's defense:

UM has played 313 plays on defense over its first 6 games. Not once have they had to defend a first-and-goal. Nobody has managed to run a play inside their 10.

— Max Olson (@max_olson) October 10, 2023

The beauty of the Michigan defense is that there are no weaknesses. The Wolverines are loaded with depth and experience at every single position, with guys like Mike Sainristil, Rod Moore, Will Johnson, Braiden McGregor, Jaylen Harrell, Junior Colson, Mason Graham, and Kris Jenkins leading the way. 

There's no doubt that the competition will get better in the coming weeks, particularly in the final three weeks of the regular season when the Wolverines face Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State - three teams with a combined record of 15-1. Even with bigger challenges ahead, it's clear that head coach Jim Harbaugh, with help from defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, have built a national championship-caliber defense. 

Whether home or away, it's tough for any opposing offense to make any progress against this Michigan defense - and the numbers certainly back it up.