John Beilein is building a defensive reputation in Ann Arbor.
Two years ago, he hired Billy Donlon, who elevated the defense to No. 69 nationally in efficiency, per Ken Pomeroy. It had finished No. 89, No. 100 and No. 92 in the three years prior.
Donlon left for Northwestern, so Luke Yaklich joined the staff from Illinois State. The de-facto defensive coordinator transformed the defense into the No. 3 unit in the country.
In the two season-opening victories, the Wolverines are proving themselves to be stoppers once again.
Norfolk State and Holy Cross combined to score 81 points, averaging .