Success often hinges on a delicate balance between continuity and innovation within any coaching transition. This hasn’t been a factor for Michigan in a long time, as Jim Harbaugh always provided stability from the top despite any changes to the rest of the coaching staff. However, this year under new Head Coach Sherrone Moore and his new regime, many wondered how much would stay the same– and how much would change. The transition to a new defensive coordinator could have been a disruptive force for the Michigan Wolverines, but the unit hasn’t missed a beat under Wink Martindale’s leadership. Michigan’s 30-10 victory over Fresno State on August 31, 2024, was a testament to the seamless integration of Martindale’s aggressive philosophy with the rock-solid foundation laid in previous seasons.
While much of Michigan’s defensive structure remained intact, Martindale has injected his own brand of aggression, opting for a bold strategy that puts pressure on opposing offenses. Unlike the blitz-heavy approaches he’s known for from his NFL days (he last served as Defensive Coordinator of the New York Giants in 2023), Martindale’s Michigan debut showcased different aggression. Fresno State was forced into uncomfortable situations throughout the game by opting for a defense that leaned heavily on man coverage with a single high safety or disguising other coverages within that look.
One of the early highlights of Martindale’s scheme came in the first quarter. The Wolverines had already shown a willingness to challenge Fresno State’s passing attack with tight man coverage with a one-high shell. On a crucial third down, Martindale dialed up a clever variation: a Cover 2 disguised as the same Cover 1 look Michigan had run the previous two plays. Fresno State’s quarterback, expecting another single-high coverage, was baited into a throw that seemed safe at first glance. Instead, Michigan’s nickelback, Zeke Berry, was waiting as the extra safety picked up his assignment. The play was a masterclass in deception, as Berry’s easy interception halted the Bulldogs’ drive and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Martindale’s defensive philosophy is not just about confusing quarterbacks, though. His aggressive approach relies heavily on the performance of pass rushers and linebackers, demanding that they dominate the line of scrimmage and disrupt plays before they can develop. Against Fresno State, two names stood out: Rayshaun Benny and Josaiah Stewart. Neither were the headline stars of last year’s national championship-winning defense, but they’ve emerged as pivotal players under Martindale.
Benny, a defensive lineman, and Stewart, a versatile linebacker and pass rusher, relentlessly pursued the ball. Benny recorded five total tackles, two solo tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. His presence in the backfield was a constant thorn in the side of Fresno State’s offensive line. Stewart, meanwhile, was even more dominant, tallying five total tackles—all solo—along with two sacks and three tackles for loss. His ability to time his rushes and penetrate the offensive line was critical to Michigan’s defensive success.
Martindale’s scheme has provided these players with the platform to showcase their skills, but it’s their execution that truly made the difference. Stewart, in particular, thrived in the more aggressive role. His performance against Fresno State indicates that Martindale’s system is designed to allow players like him to shine. When asked about the changes in the defense during the post-game press conference, Stewart emphasized the continuity in their mindset despite the new wrinkles in the scheme.
“I mean, I feel like there aren’t many changes … With our mindset. We kind of carried over the same mentality from last year, and we’re just gonna continue that. You know they say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, so we’re gonna come out with that same mentality every game,” Stewart said.
His words echo the sentiment that has become a hallmark of Michigan’s defense: an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. The aggressive schemes may vary, but the underlying mentality remains the same. The Wolverines’ defense continues to embody the ferocity that propelled them to a national championship last year, suffocating opponents with a relentless, no-nonsense approach.
So despite Martindale’s tweaks, it’s clear that Michigan’s defensive identity is as strong as ever. The unit’s ability to adapt to new strategies while maintaining its core principles speaks volumes about the culture that has been cultivated in Ann Arbor. The 30-10 victory may have marked the beginning of a new era under Martindale, but it also reinforced the notion that Michigan’s defense is a well-oiled machine, capable of maintaining its elite status regardless of who is calling the shots. The mix of continuity and calculated aggression showcased against Fresno State is a promising sign for the Wolverines as they embark on their quest to defend their title.
This article was written by Ethan Neff, the head of our Sports department. You can catch his live updates from the Press Box for Michigan Football home games on our X account, @michiganreview.
