No. 19 Michigan Wolverines got their mojo back right in time, which coincided with Sherrone Moore’s return after his 2-game self-imposed suspension ended. 3-1, fresh off beating Nebraska in a fabulous two-sided display of football, the Wolverines are looking good. So, it’s only right to bring up one of the greatest rivalries in sports when they face Ohio State at the same time as last year in Week 14

That is what Todd McShay did on The McShay Show. UM’s defense is elite with first-rounders scattered across the board, and they can once again be trouble for Ohio State. The early buzz centers around the defensive front that continues to draw NFL-level praise. McShay put it bluntly: “You can go through all the minutia you want, but the one thing I feel really good about right now is that this defensive front can carry Michigan to a one-loss record going into Ohio State. And that’s saying a lot because they got to play at USC. But if you look no further, he’s got the top QBR in all of college football. But this defensive front and NFL scouts aren’t stupid, man.”

That front has already produced results. Michigan sits 7 in the nation in sacks with 14, a mark made more impressive considering they lost two first-round DTs. McShay added, “I’ve been talking to scouts in the preseason. This Michigan defensive front is different. And I know they lost a bunch of dudes. They lost two first-round defensive tackles, but this defensive front is different.” For a group forced to adjust without stars Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, the depth and creativity of Moore’s rotations have kept the pressure steady and the run defense intact.

The Huskers’ game was proof of concept. Nebraska entered with momentum, yet Michigan clamped down, slowing the run and forcing mistakes with consistent backfield penetration. That adaptability speaks to Sherrone Moore’s broader approach. “We’ll continue to evaluate everything we do offensively, defensively, special teams-wise,” he said. “And make sure we keep getting better.” It’s a refrain that feels less like coach-speak and more like an intentional plan.

Even on offense, Sherrone Moore sees growth from his staff. Asked about OC Lindsey, who calls the plays, Moore pointed to the quick development: “Adjusting to our players and adjusting to the strengths of our players,” Moore said. “When he gets in a rhythm, he’s really good, like every good coordinator I’ve been around.” That flexibility will be critical with USC, Penn State, and Wisconsin still on the docket before The Game. The Wolverines’ ability to complement their suffocating defense with balanced play-calling could be the pivot point in November.

For now, Michigan enjoys a bye before hosting Wisconsin on October 4. Ohio State looms as usual at 3-0, rolling along with its own ambitions. And while Michigan hasn’t drawn a single holding call this year despite what feels like plenty of missed grabs in the trenches, Sherrone Moore refuses to point fingers.

Sherrone Moore calls out “tackling” in the trenches, sends tape to Big Ten

Sherrone Moore didn’t sugarcoat what he saw against Nebraska—his DLs were flat-out getting dragged to the ground. “I mean, we’re getting tackled, you can say that,” Moore said Monday, his voice carrying the edge of a coach who knows when the whistle should’ve blown.

Still, he stopped short of aiming a dig at the refs, noting Michigan’s own offensive line has probably gotten away with its share of holds. His view? Officials are letting the big boys play, and that’s fine—as long as it’s fair.

Where Moore draws the line is if the calls start leaning one way. That’s when it becomes a problem. And he’s not about to sit idle and let it slide. Moore confirmed that Michigan is already submitting tape to the Big Ten office to highlight just how often their linemen are being hooked and tugged. “Oh, yeah. Always,” he said.