Dave Dye
FOX Sports Detroit
Ann Arbor - Michigan allowed an average of 32.1 points during its first 10 games and now closes the regular season against the Big Ten's two highest-scoring offenses.
First, it's Wisconsin (40.2 points per game) Saturday at Michigan Stadium, and then at Ohio State (41.6) a week later.
Wisconsin is coming off a Big Ten record-tying 83-point performance against Indiana. The Badgers scored on all 13 possessions (11 touchdowns and two field goals).
"From what I saw, I felt Indiana just backed down a little bit toward the end," Michigan cornerback James Rogers said. "I guarantee that's something we'll never do."
Michigan (7-3, 3-3 Big Ten) gave its best defensive effort of the season Saturday in a sloppy, 27-16 victory at Purdue, which didn't score an offensive touchdown.
Nose tackle Mike Martin (both ankles) and linebacker James Mouton (chest muscle) - two of the Wolverines' best defensive players - missed the Purdue game and are questionable for Wisconsin.
"We're hopeful they both can play," coach Rich Rodriguez said Monday during his weekly news conference. "We'll see what they can do in practice tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday."
With an undersized defense, including 251-pound Craig Roh now playing on the line, the Wolverines will try to stand up to the bullies on Wisconsin's offensive front.
"One thing about young people, I think they understand when a challenge is in front of them," Rodriguez said. "We'll challenge our guys all week and they'll get challenged on Saturday."
As for Wisconsin's offense, Rodriguez said, "It all starts with their running game. They come downhill at you. They're very big up front. They've got big backs, big tight ends. They'll pound you. They did a great job blocking on the perimeter with their wideouts.
"You've got to be able to stop that. I think everything comes off of that. Their bootlegs and play-action passes start when they're able to run the ball effectively."
Michigan's defense ranks No. 75 in the nation, eighth in the Big Ten, in rush defense, allowing 163.7 yards a game.
The Badgers (9-1, 5-1), ranked seventh in the BCS standings, are tied for first place in the Big Ten with Michigan State and Ohio State.
Nov. 15, 2010
