Michigan football defense: 5 must-know stats heading into Week 5

Last weekend, for the fourth game in a row, the Michigan football defense gave up no more than a touchdown during the Wolverines’ 31-7 victory over Rutgers. Now, Michigan (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) hits the road for the first time this year to face Nebraska (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) in a Week 5 afternoon matchup in Lincoln, NE. Heading into the game, no defense in the nation ranks higher than the Wolverines’ does; here are five must-know stats heading into the game.

1. Michigan football defense is No. 1 in scoring defense

So far this fall, only one defense in the nation has given up less than 30 points all year: Michigan football. Michigan has allowed 23 points through four games (5.75 points per game), which is notably better than Ohio State (No. 2 in scoring defense), which has given up 34 points (8.5 points per game). The Wolverines have allowed two touchdowns and three field goals so far.

2. Wolverines are No. 3 in total defense

Scoring defense is points allowed, while total defense is geared more toward total yards allowed. While the Michigan football defense does not rank as well in total defense as it does in scoring defense, the Maize and Blue remain among the top 3 nationally, only training Penn State (1) and Air Force (2). Michigan has given up 924 yards this year, which is about 231 yards per game.

3. Michigan is top 10 in passing offense

Over the past few years, the Michigan football defense has been known to be “bend but don’t break.” The Wolverines give up a decent amount of yardage between the 30s, but eventually clamp down as the field gets smaller, and force opponents to settle for punts or field goals. That said, Michigan still ranks top 10 in passing defense so far this year, coming in at No. 7 nationally and No. 2 in the Big Ten (Penn State is at No. 1).

The Wolverines have allowed 604 passing yards this year, which is about 151 yards per game.

4. Michigan football comes in at No. 12 in rushing defense

This weekend, the Wolverines are about to face the No. 1 rushing defense in America. While Michigan’s rushing defense has been solid thus far, the Wolverines are still outside of the top 10 nationally, coming in at No. 12 in the country — Michigan gives up an average of 80 yards per game on the ground.

5. Wolverines looking fantastic on first down

Setting the tone for a drive or a set of downs is crucial for defensive success, and so far, Michigan football has been fantastic at doing so. Right now, the Wolverines rank No. 3 in the country in first downs defense, allowing a total of 47 first downs so far this year. Only Penn State and Florida (46) have allowed fewer.

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