Michigan Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale: ‘Losing is Learning’

The Michigan defense hasn’t had it easy this season. In addition to multiple injuries, defenders haven’t been able to rest much given the team’s offensive struggles. Last weekend Michigan was without starting cornerbacks Will Johnson and Jyaire Hill. 

‘Losing is Learning’

Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said he has to play the hand he’s dealt. 

“You play with who you got,” Matindale said. “(Oregon) was a really good team who was ranked just like IU is – high on third downs. There were some space plays that we just missed and we got to find some different ways to affect the quarterback, but that’s hard to do when you’re down men and everything else.” 

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When starters are out, those that remain assume more responsibility. Not only in terms of production, but in playing time as well. Martindale said rotations have been a challenge.

“When the game is on the line, you want Mason (Graham), you want Kenneth Grant, you want your guys in the game,” Martindale said. “A lot of these games we’ve played of late the game was on the line for four quarters, so it’s hard to find that sweetspot (with substitutions) and I thought we did a better job of it in the second half.”

Given Michigan’s prominence as a program, it typically has second and third string players with an abundance of talent. Depth is something a team hopes to have, but not need, and Michigan has needed it all season. Martindale said the team has to keep building. 

“The thing that I always talk to the players about (is) losing is learning, and it always has been,” Martindale said. “Injuries are something that crop up during the season, and that’s why really I think in college football you need to be three deep. I know that’s where our success was the two prior years is the depth that we had. You’re seeing all the guys that are starting now were backups, I mean, that’s facts. We just got to keep working our tail off to keep bringing depth in here.”

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