Michigan Football: Wolverines add to resume with big win over Wisconsin

Defense Wins Championships

As previously mentioned, Wisconsin’s defense is what kept the Badgers in the game for so long. Most notably, Badger linebackers, TJ Edwards and Ryan Connelly, both redshirt seniors, absolutely terrorized the Wolverines in the first half. If it weren’t for their ability to get off of blocks and get into the backfield, Michigan would have been able to run all over the field.

As for Michigan, the defense went up against one of the toughest offensive lines in the country. Despite not having Rashan Gary, Michigan’s leader on the defense, the Wolverines were impressive in slowing down Jonathan Taylor as best as possible. Additionally, they were able to get pressure on the veteran quarterback, Alex Hornibrook. Assuming Michigan can get Gary back and healthy, they will continue to cause serious issues against some of the better Big Ten offenses they will face later in the season.

Michigan forced two turnovers and seven punts from the Wisconsin offense. And although Michigan scored 38 points, ten of those came from the two interceptions and six more came from field goals. Additionally, Michigan scored again late in the fourth quarter, long after the game was really over. If the Wisconsin offense could have played better, this game could have been much closer.

The drives lasted long periods of time. Regardless, both defenses fought hard throughout the entirety of the game.