2. Michigan’s defense scores more touchdowns than they give up
Over the first two weeks of the 2017 college football season, the Michigan Wolverine’s defense has scored more touchdowns than they have allowed. Yes, you read that correctly.
In the team’s week one bout against the University of Florida, the Gators didn’t record a single offensive touchdown, with both of their scores coming off of arrant pick-sixes by Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight. However, the Wolverine’s defense did record a touchdown on a sack and forced fumble in the end-zone by inside linebacker Noah Furbush.
Against the University of Cincinnati, the team only allowed two offensive touchdowns, one rushing and one passing, but recorded two pick-sixes touchdowns off of junior quarterback Hayden Moore.
Granted this is only after two games, but Michigan has the most defensive touchdowns of any team in the nation. That trend could continue in the team’s week three game against Air Force.
While Air Force’s offense is built around a strong rushing attack, they simply don’t have the size needed to run effectively against Michigan’s front seven. That could lead to mistakes. In only two games, the Wolverines have recorded 10 sacks. The Falcons, on the other hand have given up two sacks in their one game.
When you combine a rushing quarterback with a less than effective offensive line, it could lead to a plethora of sacks, and potentially fumbles. However, if the Falcons do attempt to attack Michigan through the air, it probably won’t end well either. The Wolverine’s new look secondary has been incredibly stingy against the pass, only allowing an 82.72 passer efficiency rating to opposing quarterbacks, good for 11th in the nation.