Harbaugh: "It's OK" To Credit Great Defenses For Michigan's Struggles

Michigan's struggles on offense this season can be traced back to a number of things. 

A new offensive coordinator, a new scheme. A quarterback who's regressed, an offensive line not playing to its potential. Turnovers, missed opportunities. Take your pick. 

Jim Harbaugh sees another factor, one that's maybe been lost in the stir over what's gone wrong. In its last three games, Michigan has played two of the top-ranked defenses in the country. 

"It's OK to say Iowa’s got a really good defense. They’re ranked fifth nationally now, with a really good defensive coordinator and really good players. I’m going to tip the cap to them, as (well as) Wisconsin. They're the No. 1 defense in the country," Harbaugh told the Jamie and Stoney Show on 97.1 The Ticket.

Three weeks ago versus Wisconsin, Michigan managed 299 yards and 14 points. Last week versus Iowa, 267 yards and 10 points. Harbaugh might point out the Wolverines fared better than most. Wisconsin's allowing 179 yards and 5.8 points per game, both of which rank first in the country. Iowa's allowing 254 yards and 8.8 points per game, which rank fifth and third, respectively.

Of course, Iowa gave up more than 400 yards to Iowa State three games ago, so it's not like its defense is impenetrable. 

Harbaugh raised eyebrows after Saturday's win when he claimed Michigan's offense is "hitting their stride." He said he likes what he's seen in practice in particular. Asked what encouraged him about Michigan's performance against Iowa, when the Wolverines failed to score a point after taking a 10-0 lead midway through the first quarter, Harbaugh said the effort was there. And so were the opportunities. 

"I thought his pocket ball security was really improved in this game. There were some chances where some pressure came free on him and I thought he took what the defense gave him as well as he’s done all year. Sometimes there was nothing there to take and he had to throw the ball away or secure it and we had to take a sack and then punt it away. That’s a big improvement (over) a fumble," Harbaugh said. "His accuracy continues to be really good, he’s been productive. I think he’s coming along very well." 

Michigan's next test comes Saturday at Illinois, followed by dates with No. 10 Penn State and No. 9 Notre Dame. The offense will need to improve for the Wolverines to keep their Big Ten hopes alive, and Harbaugh remains confident that it will. 

"Feel like the effort is so good, that when you have that you’ll get everything else," he said. "I feel like we’re getting it. I think it’s coming, I think we’re hitting out stride."