Michigan Football: 5 takeaways from Wolverines’ 2017 season

4. Wolverines had a top-notch defense

Going into the 2017 season, the Wolverines defense was top-10 worthy. In their season opener against the Gators, Michigan’s defense proved its spot. Florida only racked up 192 total yards during this game, an example of how dominant the Wolverines’ defense can be. This was the start of a strong defensive season for the Wolverines.

The Wolverines replaced 10 starters from the 2016 team, and help was needed from the defensive coordinator Don Brown. The inexperience of safeties began to show with missed tackles but safety Tyree Kinnel became a key player. He gave a promising performance in pass coverage.

Kinnel was strong player for the Wolverines and there were also no hesitations on the defensive line. Contributors like Rashan Gary and Maurice Hurst played vital roles for Michigan’s defense.

Gary, a top 2016 recruit, helped to add pressure to the defensive line and going pro is in near future for him. Hurst decided to return for the 2017 season and led the defensive line which had 39 sacks throughout the season.

Despite going into a season with all new starters, the odds were in Michigan’s favor when it came to its defense. Through most of 2017, the Wolverines’ defense was tops in the nation and Michigan’s defensive line had the experience and the ability to apply pressure — this helps when the offense can’t get the job done.