The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/575020
BY CHRIS BALAS O n paper, Michigan's de‑ fense through three games was about what most ex‑ pected it to be — solid. With the exception of a few long drives in a 24‑17, season‑opening loss at Utah and an inexplicable first quarter against Oregon State in which it gave up 87 yards, including a 79‑yard touchdown drive to open the game, few would complain the unit wasn't doing it's part. But there's always room for im‑ provement. Like former defensive coordinator and current defensive line coach Greg Mattison before him, current coordinator D.J. Durkin stresses turnovers, yet the Wolver‑ ines were tied for 11th in the confer‑ ence with Purdue in turnover margin through three games, having man‑ aged only one fumble gained and three passes intercepted. Two of the three picks came against UNLV, the weakest team on the schedule. Regardless, the two interceptions were impressive, especially redshirt junior Jeremy Clark's down the side‑ line, a play on which he sealed and turned just in time for the takeaway. It was something Michigan hasn't done enough of in the past several years despite the emphasis. "We probably coach turnovers more than any defense I've ever been around," Mattison said in the days leading up to the U‑M's 28‑7 vic‑ tory over the Rebels. "In the camp and throughout practices, we've had more than I can ever remember. It's just right now we're not getting them. "We've got to do a better job strip‑ ping it, a better job coming up with the plays. That is a very important part of our defense, and we'll con‑ tinue to work at it." Durkin's Florida defense managed 30 takeaways last season, good for 11th nationally. The Wolverines are well short of that pace this year with the meat of the schedule still to come, and they haven't forced any fumbles besides the one they covered. Where they've excelled, though, is in keeping opponents off the score‑ Defense Can't Rest Bigger Tests In The Next Month Should Show Where The Group Stands