Michigan Football Tidbits: Michigan vs. Ohio State this spring -- Defensive Breakdown

Michigan Football Tidbits: Michigan vs. Ohio State this spring -- Defensive Breakdown

CoachBt spent time at both schools this spring while MaizeMan and ErocWolverine stayed with the Wolverines. We witnessed practices, scrimmages, and spring game for both schools. Thought it would be fun, and open up some good debate, about how the two programs compare in talent at this time. We will do it by comparing position groups and not factoring in incoming freshmen; strictly players involved this spring.

Both schools have one thing in common; the best talent is young. Ohio State has an outstanding sophomore class, and Michigan has a very good one.

Defense: Biggest difference here is Ohio State's depth

Defensive Line:

This might be Ohio State's most talented group. Ohio State is one solid defensive end away from having a super defensive line. Thad Gibson is scary off the edge and Ironhead is nasty and physical. Three top defensive tackles return from last season and if Heywood is moved inside to his natural three tech position, this becomes a scary group. Would not trade B. Graham for any of Ohio State's defensive linemen; he is most the complete player on the two teams. Also, Mike Martin would definitely see plenty of playing time. After that, it is all Ohio State. They even have two talented young defensive linemen, Willaims and Goebels, waiting in the wings.

Overall: Advantage Ohio State

Linebackers:
Ohio State is replacing all three starters from 2008, and two were three year starters. That is a ton of experience and talent to replace. Sabino is talented and will be fine inside. It is outside that Ohio State has some problems, especially in coverage. Moeller, Rolle, and Holman are okay-to-solid against the run, but not nearly as good in space or in coverage. Michigan has some experience, but linebackers have not been very productive, so this one is tough to call.

Overall: Advantage -- Even -- wait till fall to decide.

Defensive Backs:
There is probably less defensive back talent then at any time since Coach Tressell took over at Ohio State. Not saying it is bad, just not nearly as deep and talented as usual.

Cornerbacks:
Chewka is good-to-solid at boundary cornerback, but may have topped out. Torrence is playing really well and young kid named Johnson showed very well. This is an area where Michigan can make up some ground on Ohio State with Floyd, Boo Boo, and D. Warren Michigan. Ohio State has the definite edge in physical play; their cornerbacks will knock your head off. Only Boo Boo has shown that so far at Michigan (our toughest guy is named "BooBoo"?).

Overall: Advantage Ohio State, because of depth and physical play; top three are close.

Safeties:
This is an area where I noticed biggest drop in Ohio State talent. Ohio State was not its usual six to eight deep here. Coleman is good--will tear your head off--but he's a bit small; Russell is just okay and Oliver is good hitter, but after that it drops off. Michigan moving Woolfolk to safety and M. Williams with Vlad gives Michigan hope, but until I see better play in games, will have just say I am catiously optimistic.

Overall: Advantage Ohio State, because they have shown to be better tacklers in space.

Coaching:
Only do this to make point. You can be polar opposites like Coach Tressell and Coach Rod and still be very successful. And despite the personality differences they still have certain things in common: both have a close knit inner circle they completely trust and believe in despite fan criticism; both are perfectionists; and they aretwo of the most demanding people I have ever seen. In addition, the biggie is that both can control a room, and when they are on the field there is no doubt who the boss is.

Overall: Push -- Even -- both schools have coaches they can be happy with.

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine