Michigan Wolverines

Michigan DC explains how 'D' can improve even on a shutout

Published Sep. 29, 2015 3:25 p.m. ET

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Michigan football's resurgence early this season has been the result of multiple factors, but defense is probably No. 1. It is certainly near the top.

The Wolverines enter Big Ten play ranked No, 2 in the nation in total yards. They are also in the top five in passing defense and scoring defense while showing in the top 10 in pass efficiency defense and rushing defense.

Last week was particularly impressive as the Wolverines not only shut out BYU but held the Cougars to only 105 yards and eight first downs.

But there is a glaring number that could be better: turnovers.

Through four games, Michigan has forced only four, a total that ranks 13th in the Big Ten and is less than half as much as leaders Ohio Staten and Purdue (both have forced nine).

Speaking on the Inside Michigan Football radio show Monday, defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin acknowledged turnovers have been a daily topic of conversation in the football facility.

"That's the whole going back to grade school learning the game of football, our job on defense is to get the ball back," Durkin said. "You can't score unless you get the ball back.

"Job one: Let's go on the field and get the ball back. Whether that's a three-and-out or that's a turnover, somehow someway we need to get the football and give it back to the offense or put it in the end zone ourselves."

(H/T Detroit Free Press)