SMOKE AND MIRRORS HUH?

Look folks, I think Herbstreit is as good as anybody when it comes to evaluating teams and his analyst abilities as well, but sometimes he is off. Today he defined Michigans defense by using the old "smoke and mirrors" reference. I'm sorry but I have watched this team the last few years and "smoke and mirrors" just may be the wrong definition. When Michigan was 5-0 last year and giving up a ton of yards to UMASS, not to mention all the other opponents they faced, was "smoke and mirrors". They were at the bottom in every category across the board defensively.

Enter the 2011 Michigan defense. In a press conference following the Minnesota game, DL Ryan Van Bergen talked about how hungry and fresh the defense is this year, they believe in each other. He mentioned that last year he played between 80 and 90 snaps a game, this year, 25-30. That speaks volumes. Defensively, Michigan is fundamentally sound and they fly to the ball. That leads me to this, defensive numbers.

Michigans D has given up 1 rushing TD this season

They are ranked 32nd nationally in total D

Ranked 14th against the pass

24th in passing efficiency D

Ranked second in fumble recoveries with 9

Tied for 5th in turnovers gained with 12

NO.1 ranked red zone D in the country

Tied for 2nd in 4th down conversions against, 1 for 5

Michigans phony defense gives up a measly 10 points a game

That is not smoke and mirrors folks, that is straight out balling. They have gotten better every week and 58-0 against anybody is impressive. I'm not saying things can't go haywire but currently things are good and showing signs of being great.