Michigan and Nebraska are set for big matchup on Saturday that already feels like somewhat of a tipping point in the season for both programs. Michigan already has a loss on its record, but could prove it to be a one-off performance by securing a statement win in its Big Ten opener. Meanwhile, Nebraska will be looking to show that it’s one of the powers in the conference again by defeating one of the Big Ten’s best programs over the last few years.
The last time these two teams played each other,
the gap was much wider between the two programs. That was back in 2023 when Michigan won a national championship and Nebraska plodded along to a 5-7 record in its first year under head coach Matt Rhule. The Wolverines won by a 45-7 final score in Lincoln.
Rhule, though, isn’t spending too much time looking back on that matchup. In his weekly press conference, he noted that Michigan isn’t the same team as it was in 2023, but it has held onto some of its core identity.
“They still have the same core philosophies — they are 15th in rush offense (nationally) and 25th in rush defense,” Rhule said. “They are going to have elite play up front on both sides of the ball.”
While Michigan’s offense is much different than it was in 2023, Rhule is right to point out the defense is still solid. Through three games, Michigan’s worst defensive output was against Oklahoma, where it only surrendered 24 points despite going up against one of the nation’s best quarterbacks and a great group of pass-catchers. Furthermore, Michigan rounded out the non-conference slate by holding Central Michigan to only 139 total yards and three points, even with the second- and third-stringers playing much of the second half.
A big reason for Michigan’s defensive success is defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who has really settled in calling the defense since the end of last season. Rhule spoke highly of Martindale and the threat he poses to the Nebraska offense.
“Wink’s elite — he’s one of my favorite coaches,” Rhule said. “When I was in the NFL, I had a lot of respect for him. He’s a tough guy.”
One of those challenges Rhule mentioned was Martindale’s ability to dial up pressures from different directions. That is something Michigan will need to do in order to knock Nebraska’s young and talented quarterback Dylan Raiola off balance.
“How do you stop a passing game? You can get pressure on the quarterback. (Martindale) can do that multiple ways,” Rhule said. “Part of the pressure is also painting pictures for the quarterback and showing him different things. Wink, like (Nebraska defensive coordinator) John (Butler), does a great job of showing you one picture, then they bring the jack and the corner, so Dylan (Raiola) will have to be prepared.”
Michigan’s defense gave fans a different look last week by featuring Jaishawn Barham as an edge rusher instead of from his normal off-ball linebacker position. Barham thrived in his new role and had two sacks against CMU, while Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan made the most of their snaps in the middle. The new look for the defense could pose an even bigger threat to Raiola and the Cornhusker offense, and could prove to be another feather in the cap for Michigan’s second year defensive coordinator.
