The Michigan football defense is currently No. 1 in the nation

Before I start, I’d like to note that this is not my opinion on the Wolverines; this is a fact — the Michigan football defense is currently No. 1 in the nation in points allowed and more. Per the updated NCAA rankings, which are stat-based, the Maize and Blue currently have the top-ranked scoring defense in the nation (points scored against), the No. 2 total defense (total yardage against), and more. Through three games, the defense has given up a mere 16 points, fewer than anyone else in the country right now, pushing Michigan one spot ahead of Ohio State (No. 2 in scoring defense) heading into conference play this weekend.

Michigan football defense is No. 1 nationally in scoring defense and more

This Saturday afternoon, Michigan will begin Big Ten play, welcoming Rutgers to the Big House in Ann Arbor. While the offense has been an area of concern for a few weeks now, the Michigan football defense has been nothing short of elite — no team has allowed fewer points this year than the Wolverines.

Here is how the Michigan football defense stacks up nationally:

• Scoring defense: No. 1
• Total defense: No. 2
• Passing yards allowed: No. 7
• Rushing defense: No. 17
• Rod zone defense: No. 14
• 1st down defense: No. 5
• 3rd down defense: No. 32
• 4th down defense: No. 1

Jim Harbaugh gives his thoughts heading into the Big Ten opener

It’s clear that Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines’ 9th-year head coach, is fired up about his defensive unit as well. Here is some of what the Michigan football coach had to say earlier today.

“(I’m) happy for the shining light that that our defense was in this game (against Bowling Green). It was a tremendous, tremendous performance. I mean, you know some of the some of the numbers, it’s got to be the — I think it is the number one scoring defense in the country right now. … (I was) really watching the tape and just started getting fired up because you see the positives. I mean, we won, and there’s so much to learn from.”

Heading into this weekend’s Big Ten conference opener against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the Michigan football defense will once again be looking to impress. For the first time this year, the Wolverines will be tested with a Power 5 opponent — one that is undefeated and coming off of a blowout win against Virginia Tech last weekend.

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