Michigan’s defense ripped early in upset loss to Utah

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s defense was supposed to be a strength early in the season while its offense struggled. If the Wolverines’ season had started at halftime, maybe everything would be going according to plan right now.

Instead, Utah gained 313 yards in the first half and held on for a 25-23 win Saturday. This was even after the Wolverines held the Utes to 28 yards and two first downs in the second half.

“In the first half, I felt like we had some guys who hadn’t played a lot and they were playing a little antsy and slow,” linebacker Obi Ezeh said. “There’s a lot of things going through your mind and messing up is one of them. But you’ve got to keep thinking that if you mess up, mess up at full speed. Blown assignments are a big part of the game offensively and defensively.”

Michigan returned seven starters on defense, but still allowed Utah to gain more than seven yards per play in the first half and move the ball well through the air after finishing last season 81st nationally in passing offense.

The Wolverines brought more pressure against Utah quarterback Brian Johnson and finished the game with six sacks, but the early deficit clearly hurt.

“It was awful in the first half,” Rodriguez said. “The second half was a little better.”

Ezeh was picked as the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week after a career-best 15 tackles and a second-half interception. Brandon Graham, an end, had 31‚Ñ2 of the Wolverines’ six sacks. Ezeh and cornerback Donovan Warren, who nearly had an interception, said the second-half unit fans saw Saturday will be back.

“They got a couple big plays because guys weren’t in the right spots,” Warren said.

The Wolverines welcome Miami (Ohio) on Saturday and Rodriguez declined to name a starting quarterback. Nick Sheridan got the start against Utah and Steven Threet led Michigan on two fourth-quarter scoring drives. Both players struggled at times.