Michigan Losing Streak Isn't Likely to End If Defense Surrenders Big Plays

Michigan might not win another game this season unless its defense can stop getting burned for big plays. While Devin Gardner’s struggles at quarterback have taken center stage the last few games, the 26-24 loss to Rutgers exposed defensive flaws with grave implications for this team’s ability to compete in the Big Ten.

Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova (22-of-39, 404 yards and three touchdowns) looked like a Heisman trophy candidate versus the Wolverines. He threw for more yards in the first half (282) than he was averaging per game (239), while leading his team to a 19-17 halftime lead. Kyle Bogenschutz of Scout.com provided Hoke's assessment of Nova:

In a stunning pattern the Michigan defense would hang tough for a few plays before getting scorched— usually on third down with Nova finding a receiver for a big play.

Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press summed up Nova’s third-down brilliance:

"

He threw an 80-yard touchdown pass on a broken coverage and marched his team 75 yards in just 1:21 for a pre-halftime score, a play marked by Frank Clark's missed sack.

That was just the latest of Rutgers' killer third downs, where they were 5-of-9, each one a dagger.

A 53-yard pass on a third and five, a 20-yard Nova rush – his career long – on third and 16, and a 23 yarder later on third and six.

"

For the second week in a row, the Michigan defense was ripped through the air.

Last week Minnesota, with the 121st-ranked passing offense in the nation (113 yards per game), erupted for 167 passing yards versus Michigan. Minnesota’s success through the air was particularly surprising since its offense had relied primarily on the running attack in prior games but passed with ease versus Michigan.

Rutgers, which entered the game ranked 63rd nationally in passing offense (240.6), surged for 402 passing yards against the Wolverines.

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

In both cases Michigan appeared to be unprepared or unable to shut down the passing attack.

And make no mistake, while Minnesota and Rutgers are good, the toughest teams on the schedule are still ahead for Michigan.

Rivals Michigan State (47th-ranked nationally, 263 passing yards per game) and Ohio State (37th-ranked nationally, 279.8 yards per game) have the capability and desire to hang over 50 points on Michigan— maybe by halftime. Michigan plays both teams on the road where it has struggled throughout Hoke’s tenure.

For a preview of coming attractions check out what Ari Wasserman of Cleveland.com said about Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett:

"

A good way to tell whether Barrett is selling fakes and making good reads is how many times the TV cameramen are fooled. It happened on a few occasions. ... Barrett threw at least four touchdowns for the third consecutive game, so it seems as if he's really coming into his own.

But what was most impressive, more than just the number of touchdowns, were the passes he made, ones where only the receiver had a chance at it. 

"

The team also faces Maryland (48th-ranked nationally, 262.4 passing yards per game) for its final game of the season at Michigan Stadium.

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

The implication is clear—if Michigan is getting ripped by mediocre teams like Minnesota and Rutgers, elite teams such as Michigan State and Ohio State should have no problem dispatching the Wolverines. In fact, Minnesota has shown that even teams with anemic passing attacks can take advantage of the Wolverines.

As Brady Hoke enters his fourth season, Michigan is nowhere near being able to compete for the Big Ten title. It might not even win a Big Ten game this season. Angelique of The Detroit News shared a snapshot of the post-win, on-field celebration:

Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images

As Michigan and Rutgers met for first time, it was Michigan that wilted under the pressure and looked unprepared for Big Ten play.

Michigan fans will see a lot of big plays this season—but most will be by opponents.

Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand

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