Michigan defensive coordinator Jay Hill says the linebackers have exceeded expectations, learned his scheme and are “playing like NFL-style linebackers.” Saturday’s game at Iowa is their first Big Ten test; Hill expects a physical challenge in the running game.
Michigan’s linebacker room has been overhauled: last season’s opening starters Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, and Citrus Bowl starters Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder, are all off this year’s roster. Troy Bowles led the team in tackles in Weeks 1 and 2 with 12 and nine, respectively, and has three tackles for loss. Chase Taylor led Michigan with five total tackles in Week 3 and has 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack; transfer Nathaniel Staehling has 16 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
