In 2012, redshirt sophomore linebacker Jake Ryan improved his tackles (37 to 88), tackles
for loss (11 to 16) and sacks (3.0 to 4.5) from the season before.
photo by lon horwedel
yards per contest. Yet, in the Outback Bowl loss to South Carolina, the
unit was shredded for 341 yards and
four touchdowns, permitting six pass
plays of 20 yards or more.
In the regular season, the Maize
and Blue backfield was worthy of an
A, but in the postseason they receive
an F.
Fifth-year senior safety Jordan Kovacs epitomized that schism. Named
Michigan's MVP by his peers, Kovacs was a true leader for the entire
defense, putting his teammates in
the best position to succeed while
keeping the ball in front of him at
all times. Against South Carolina in
the Outback Bowl, though, he was
