In Michigan's five losses, the defense gave up 26 plays of 20 or more yards (5.2 per game). Each opponent amassed at least three such plays, and Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State had at least five.

In those five losses, the Wolverines also surrendered 18 touchdowns and seven field goals (excluding defensive scores and overtime periods). Of the 18 touchdown drives, 14 of them were accompanied by at least one play of 20 or more yards (77.8 percent), and two of the seven field goal drives included at least one play of 20 or more yards (28.6 percent).

All told, 16-of-25 scoring drives in Michigan's five losses included at least one play that spanned at least 20 yards (64.0 percent).