East Lansing — For almost any offensive coordinator who has attempted to prepare to face Michigan this season, there surely have been plenty of sleepless nights.
While leading the Big Ten in nearly every defensive category, Michigan is No. 1 in the nation in total defense (207 yards), scoring defense (10.0), passing defense (110.0), first downs allowed (74) and third-down defense (13 percent). The Wolverines are second nationally in pass efficiency defense (84.19 rating), third in sacks (3.57 average) and red-zone defense (66.7 percent) and fourth against the run (96.0).
For Michigan State co-offensive coordinators Dave Warner and Jim Bollman, the challenge today comes with the added bonus of using their share of young players on an offense that hasn’t consistently produced.