Wink Martindale's defense silences all doubters with shutdown performance of Ohio State's offense
I came into the game largely skeptical about Wink Martindale as the defensive coordinator for Michigan. For too long, the defense had been a letdown, with multiple massive errors that reflected their coaching and lack of attention to detail. I wrote over a month ago that the defense simply had too much talent to be […]
I came into the game largely skeptical about Wink Martindale as the defensive coordinator for Michigan. For too long, the defense had been a letdown, with multiple massive errors that reflected their coaching and lack of attention to detail.
I wrote over a month ago that the defense simply had too much talent to be playing as poor as they were.
Something shifted after halftime in their game against Indiana a few weeks ago. They allowed just 18 yards in the second half of that game. It was too little too late, as Michigan still lost the game, but it was an important sign. Then, Michigan had a bye week just before taking on Northwestern.
Michigan Wolverines finally play complementary football, embracing underdog mentality against Ohio State Buckeyes
The Michigan Wolverines had been searching for a fully complementary game seemingly all season. They had games where only one (or neither) side of the ball would show up. It finally happened Saturday against Northwestern. Offense Michigan put up 396 total yards of offense, their first 300+-yard game since their 21-7 to Illinois on October […]
That Northwestern game finally gave us the defensive performance we were expecting to see out of Michigan. Still, it was easy to write off, given that Northwestern is…well, Northwestern.
What it did provide, however, was some much-needed momentum and confidence after giving up 38 points to Oregon. That confidence flowed through the entire unit and it showed up in a significant way against Ohio State.
The Wolverines pulverized Ohio State's offense. The Buckeyes boasted elite talent at running back and wide receiver, but only put up 252 total yards of offense and scored just 10 points.
Ohio State brought in running back Quinshon Judkins to add to their backfield that already boasted TreVeyon Henderson. The duo combined for just 67 rushing yards. Freshman phenom wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had just five catches for 35 yards.
Michigan didn't sack Will Howard, but they generated plenty of pressure to force him out of the pocket and disrupt his timing. The Buckeyes went just 6-16 on third downs.
Despite not having elite cornerback Will Johnson, the Wolverines had four pass breakups, including an interception that set up their only touchdown of the game.
What is most impressive to me was that Michigan had this kind of performance despite the offense barely being able to function. At one point, the Wolverines' offense had gone six drives without gaining a single first down. They had their backs against the wall for the entire game. Any mistake they made could have lost Michigan the game.
Despite that, they shut down a talented Ohio State offense and delivered their biggest win of the season. For that, Wink Martindale deserves his flowers. That was a statement win.
