Michigan Defense Seven Games In

If defense still wins Big Ten championships, then after 7 games Michigan isn't doing too shabby. One might consider their strength of schedule this year, with Alabama (8-0), Notre Dame (7-0) and MSU in the rear view, which ESPN earlier cited as being 5th toughest in the land.

Big Ten DEFENSE:

Yards Per Game: 2nd, 286 ypg

Points Per Game: 3rd, 16.4 ypg

Passing Yrds: 1st, 1,001 yards

Rushing Yrds: 6th, 1,001 yards (weird that it exactly matches passing yards after 7 games!)

Interceptions: Tied for 3rd with 6

Sacks: 6th, 9 sacks

This is a snapshot, but one might also expect the rushing defense stats to worsen with 3 of the best Big Ten rushing offenses in Nebraska, Ohio State and Northwestern still ahead on the schedule.