At the halfway point in the No. 3 Michigan football season, the Wolverines are an astonishing 6-0 in their second season under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan’s 6-0 start could be credited to many factors but their vaunted defense should be where one looks first.
Michigan’s defense for the two seasons under Harbaugh have been a huge sign of optimism for the Wolverine faithful. Last season the defense averaged 280 yards, which would be one of the top defenses in the country. Michigan’s defensive coordinator Dj Durkin accepted the head coaching position at the University of Maryland, and finding his replacement would be crucial for Harbaugh and the University of Michigan.
Harbaugh found said replacement in defensive coordinator Don Brown – who coached at Boston College. Brown’s defense at BC was one of the best in the 2015-16 season, where they were ranked number one in many categories.
Michigan returned many senior leaders on defense plus added a strong pass rush but probably most notably is an underrated Michigan secondary.
The Michigan secondary is led by senior Jourdan Lewis, who came into the 2016 season off an impressive 2015 season when he had 2 interceptions and 20 pass deflections. Lewis was Michigan’s shutdown corner last year.
Lewis was also name to the All-Big Ten first team and 2015 first team All-American. Lewis missed the first 3 games of this season with an injury, and the Michigan offense didn’t lose a step without him in the lineup.
During their defensive battle with the No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers on October 1, Lewis arguably made one of the best plays since Charles Woodson’s interception against rival Michigan State in 1997. Michigan held a 14-7 lead late in the fourth quarter and Wisconsin’s freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook threw up a ball on fourth down. Lewis would reach back and make a one handed catch. It was purely unbelievable.
“We see him make a lot of plays. That was on another level,” quarterback Wilton Speight said about Lewis’ interception. “I think he jumped and floated for 5 yards and somehow caught it with one hand. That’s a guy who’s going to be playing on Sundays for a long time. Glad he’s on our team.”
Lewis may be one of the leaders in the Michigan secondary, but the most notable player who is coming into his own and showcasing his talent is senior cornerback Channing Stribling.
Stribling has been one of the best players in the Michigan defense as he leads the team with 3 interceptions (2 came in the game against Wisconsin). Even with Stribling coming more into his own, you cannot forget about the play of Delano Hill and Dymonte Thomas.
If the Michigan Wolverines do make it through the rest of the season unscathed en route to their November 26 game against hated rival the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, look for this Michigan secondary to have an opportunity at the College Football Playoff.
