With all of the troubles the Michigan Wolverines have had on offense, they still have a 5-3 overall record thanks to a stingy defense.
In a statistical anomaly, the defense has given up the same number of points (172) as its offense has scored this season. Oregon is hoping to change that around on Saturday.
In order to do so, the Ducks are going to have to find a way to run the ball consistently, something the Wolverines haven’t allowed very much of in 2024.
Michigan has allowed just 1,001 yards on the ground to opponents (101 ypg). They’re led by linebacker Ernest Hausmann with his team-leading 56 tackles. He also has 4.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble. He a junior playing full-time for the first time in his career.
Along the line, Josaiah Stewart leads Michigan with 11 tackles for loss with his 27 total tackles. He also had 6.5 sacks and six quarterback hurries. Suffice it to say, Stewart is in the opponents’ backfield a lot.
Makari Paige is Michigan’s top player in the secondary. The 6-foot-4 corner is a long defender that can make it tough on shorter wideouts. He has 33 tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups. lineman Mason Graham. He has 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
