Clutch Defensive Stops

Defensive Coordinator Ron English's defense rose to the occasion in the 4th quarter against MSU when it made stops on the final two series that MSU possessed the ball. After Michigan had cut the lead to 24-21 with just under 7 minutes to go in the game, the Wolverines needed a stop to get the ball back. The Wolverines' D stepped up and forced the Spartans to go three and out which gave Michigan the ball back with plenty of time remaining. Once the Wolverines pulled ahead 28-24 with under 2:30 to play in the game, the Michigan defense held once again. Although it yielded some yardage and a couple of first downs, the defense stiffened when it sacked MSU QB Brian Hoyer to put the Spartans in bad down and distance. On third and 18, Cornerback Morgan Trent made a spectacular play on the ball to deny a completion. That forced the Spartans into a desperation fourth and 18 situation which the Spartans failed to convert. The defensive members were the unsung heroes of the team that contributed mightily to the victory. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Morgan Trent (14) by DAVID GURALNICK/The Detroit News