Coming into the game and the 2024 season, Michigan’s defensive line was hyped as one of the most formidable units in college football. The duo of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant at defensive tackle was expected to dominate the trenches, with many pegging Graham as a potential top-five NFL Draft pick and Grant not far behind him. Michigan fans were confident that these two could anchor the nation’s best defense. Alongside them, edge rushers Josiah Stewart and Derrick Moore had proven themselves to be a dynamic force, feared for their ability to disrupt any offense. With such a talented front four, Michigan seemed prepared to take on any team in the country.
That was, until they met the Texas Longhorns.
From the opening snap, it was clear that Texas’ offensive line came to play, pushing Michigan’s vaunted defensive line around with ease. What had been one of Michigan’s biggest strengths was neutralized as the Texas O-line opened up running lanes and gave quarterback Quinn Ewers ample time to throw. The Wolverines’ front seven, which had dominated in the past, was rendered almost invisible. Linebackers like Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, both expected to be key playmakers, were rarely mentioned throughout the game, a testament to just how effectively Texas controlled the line of scrimmage.
What surprised me most was that Michigan never found a way to regain control. I thought if Michigan could stop the run, they could disrupt Texas’ entire game plan, forcing them into tough situations. However, Texas flipped the script, using their passing attack to set up the run, a strategy that left Michigan’s defense scrambling to catch up. The Texas offensive line might be the best in the country, and Michigan fans can only hope that’s the case. If it’s not, this performance raises serious questions about the Wolverines’ defensive front, a unit that was expected to carry them through the season.
Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale now faces the challenge of figuring out how to get this group back on track. There’s no denying the talent of players like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant—they’ve shown it in big games like last season’s National Championship and the Rose Bowl. But if Michigan hopes to contend for a playoff spot, this defensive line will need to live up to its All-American billing. They’ll have to stop the run, push bodies around, and get after the quarterback. Anything less, and Michigan’s dreams of another championship could quickly fade.
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