Still searching for identity

The Wolverines are 2-0 but their offense has serious questions. With only three non-conference games, they've had little time to figure things out.

Oklahoma tested them early

Michigan faced a marquee opponent in Oklahoma during their limited non-conference schedule. Conference play begins next week.

Pass rush dominates opponents

Michigan's front four shined brightest in the 17-10 win over Oklahoma. Getting pressure without blitzing has been their identity under every recent coordinator.

“Michigan is at its best when they're able to get pressure with their front four.”

Nichols and Daley lead the charge

Dom Nichols has a sack in both games. John Henry Daley got his first sack as a Wolverine while working back from a torn achilles.

Marshall's walk-off sack

Nate Marshall ended Saturday's game with a sack while Michigan rushed only three players. The pass rush could get even better as the season progresses.

Depth at defensive end

Five-star recruit Carter Meadows hasn't played yet but is oozing with talent. Ifeanyi Emedobi has also flashed in limited reps.

NASCAR package could emerge

The deep defensive end room could allow Michigan to use four defensive ends in obvious passing situations. Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, and Jonah Lea'ea have also impressed.

Tough quarterbacks ahead

Michigan will face Josh Hoover of Indiana, Dante Moore of Oregon, Rocco Becht of Penn State, and Julian Sayin of Ohio State. The pass rush will be the ultimate equalizer.

Secondary complements the rush

Rush and coverage work together perfectly. When the rush takes time, coverage forces quarterbacks to hold the ball longer.

Cornerbacks playing sticky coverage

Smith Snowden, Zeke Berry, and Jyaire Hill have all been excellent through two games. They shut down Oklahoma's Isaiah Sategna III.

Depth in the secondary

Shamari Earls is developing as a fourth cornerback. Rod Moore is working back from a knee injury while Chris Bracy has been a pleasant transfer portal surprise.

Defense trending toward elite

The combination of pass rush and secondary play is pushing Michigan's defense toward the top of the country. They could be in a very good spot by season's end.

Punter as a weapon

Cam Brown has been one of Michigan's best players in both games. Eight of his 13 punts have been downed inside the 20.

“Maybe it's not a good thing if the punter is one of the team's strengths, but that's certainly true in Ann Arbor as of now.”

Winning the field position battle

Brown pinned Oklahoma deep twice, with one leading to Michigan's game-changing interception. If Michigan wins by playing defense early, Brown is a legitimate weapon.