Michigan vs. Ohio State 2012: Greg Mattison's defense plays well in defeat

The Michigan Wolverines' defense may have given up 26 points, 22 first downs and 396 total yards to the Ohio St. Buckeyes in Saturday's disappointing loss, but the unit still impressed Anthony Mammel of Maize n' Brew. He places the blame for the loss on the offense, and offensive coordinator Al Borges' play calling in particular.

In the loss, Borges' offense managed to accumulate just 279 total yards, with much of that coming in the first half. The Wolverines also turned the ball over four times, putting extra pressure on a defense that had already been tasked with limiting star quarterback Braxton Miller and the Buckeyes' dynamic offensive attack.

With the defense put into a difficult position, Mammel thinks that Greg Mattison's defense did well to limit the Buckeyes to just two touchdowns and four field goals. Ohio State averaged about 5.6 yards per play, but it also went just 4 of 13 on third down conversions, often failing to fully take advantage of the opportunities Michigan's offense gave it.

Considering that the Wolverines led, 21-20, at halftime and failed to score a single point in the second half, Mammel's frustration with Borges is understandable. "Al Borges decided to play directly into the hands of Ohio State's defense," Mammel said."And for this he should be punished."