All three phases of Michigan’s team played at an elite level Saturday against Nebraska, but the defense may have been the best of the bunch.
They held the Cornhuskers to just 132 yards of total offense, including 17 in the first half.
The lackluster effort by Nebraska caused fifth-year senior defensive end Chase Winovich and junior safety Josh Metellus to admit afterward they felt the Big Red players quit during the game.
Sophomore Josh Ross echoed a similar sentiment last night, but also explained that Michigan’s defense was probably the main reason the Cornhusker players looked so overmatched.
“We were playing so good as a defense,” he exclaimed. “That’s the best game we had this season, so it’s tough for offenses to play well when we’re at our best. It’s fun when we get rolling like that because everybody was making plays and is so talented, so it’s a blessing to be a part of the group.
“If we play our best and don’t have any self inflicted wounds, we’ll be great.”
Speaking of self inflicted wounds, targeting has suddenly become a major issue for the Wolverines.
They have been called for the costly penalty on three separate occasions this year, including two by junior viper Khaleke Hudson.
Ross — who endured a ridiculous roughing the passer call of his own on Saturday — admitted it’s frustrating dealing with the trigger-happy refs.
“I talked to Coach [Don] Brown about it and he said he didn’t know what that was about,” the sophomore recalled. “They’re so quick to call targeting and personal fouls nowadays.
“It’s tough for Khaleke to have questionable targeting calls in consecutive games, but it’s something you have to deal with and adjust. It’s actually sad to see how some of the refs are calling things nowadays, and how they look for targeting any time there’s a hard hit.
“I love football and want to play it as long as I can, but I don’t like where it’s headed.
“You’re not thinking about targeting while you’re out there playing. Coach Brown hasn’t said a whole lot about it, but it’s just tough.”
One thing that hasn’t been tough (or hasn’t appeared to be, at least) has been Ross’ adjustment to being an impactful player on the defense.
He has worked primarily at the weakside linebacker spot, but has also taken reps as a middle linebacker.
“I’m so much more comfortable this year due to the experience,” he noted. “There are certain situations you won’t experience in practice and you just have to see in a game to get used to.
“In the spring when I was learning other positions besides WILL, it was tough because there are more responsibilities at MIKE. Knowing both positions makes things a lot easier though.”
With that being said, Ross has continued to alternate series with redshirt sophomore Devin Gil throughout the four games, but has no issue doing so.
“I actually like rotating with him,” the sophomore revealed. “He’s such a great player and we feed off each other.”
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