Michigan edged Western Michigan 13‑12 in a tightly contested game that underscored a glaring deficiency in the Wolverines’ defense.
The unit recorded zero takeaways despite preseason expectations of at least one per game, allowed six points on three red‑zone trips, and surrendered three field goals while committing nine penalties for 80 yards, including a third‑down conversion rate of 8‑of‑18.
Coaching Emphasis
Head coach Mike Whittingham identified the lack of defensive takeaways as the biggest shortcoming and stressed the need for hard work and discipline to correct the issues before the next challenge, also calling for more tight‑end usage and a stronger ground game.
Offensive limitations were evident, with second‑year wide receiver Andrew Marsh catching only two of five targets for 15 yards, and the ‘rhino’ look restricting tight‑end involvement; Jalen Hoffman, who lined up on 21 of 38 snaps, caught one pass before an ill‑fated interception, while the tight ends collectively ran 20 routes and were targeted three times.
The running attack offered little resistance, producing just one carry beyond seven yards and only two total attempts that failed to generate any turnovers, leaving the offense out of rhythm except for the opening drive and the final play.
With top‑10 Oklahoma on the horizon, Whittingham urged the team to tighten up, improve execution and capitalize on opportunities to avoid repeating the same mistakes.