:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57710241/875901944.jpg.0.jpg)
For how problematic their offense has been this season, Michigan’s defense continues to prove itself as one of the best in college football.
Heading into The Game, the Wolverines currently rank third in total defense, first in passing yards allowed, and are 11th in scoring defense.
At the center of their dominant unit is linebacker Devin Bush.
The Florida native has enjoyed a true breakout season as a sophomore. Through 11 games, Bush leads Michigan in tackles (89) and pass breakups (8). And he’s added another 9.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and an interception.
Here’s a look at how Bush as fared this year.
Devin Bush 2017 Stats
| Date | Opponent | Result | Total Tackles | Tackles For A Loss | Forced Fumbles | Sacks | Interceptions | Passes Defended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Opponent | Result | Total Tackles | Tackles For A Loss | Forced Fumbles | Sacks | Interceptions | Passes Defended |
| 9/2 | @Florida | W, 33-17 | 7 | 2.5 | 0 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 9/9 | Cincinnati | W, 36-14 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 9/16 | Air Force | W, 29-13 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 9/23 | @Purdue | W, 28-10 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 10/7 | Michigan State | L, 14-10 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10/14 | @Indiana | W, 27-20 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 10/21 | @Penn State | L, 42-13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10/28 | Rutgers | W, 35-14 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 11/4 | Minnesota | W, 33-10 | 9 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11/11 | @Maryland | W, 35-10 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 11/18 | @Wisconsin | L, 24-10 | 5 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 89 | 9.5 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
On Monday, Bush was named a finalist for the Butkus Award, given annually to the country’s best linebacker.
It’s a well-deserved honor for a defender that has been nothing but stellar for the Maize and Blue.
Bush has three games with double-digit tackles and six with at least one tackle for loss. He also recorded a sack in Michigan's first four contests of the season.
Against Wisconsin last week, Bush showed off his cover skills as he eyed an Alex Hornibrook throw, pulling in the first interception of his career.
Devin Bush eyeing the ball for the INT pic.twitter.com/TR2YqarWEq
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 18, 2017
Few defenders in the Big Ten, let alone the country, cover as much ground in a single game as Bush.
No. 10 has been all over the field for Michigan and can get it done at any level. Whether that means rushing the passer, playing the run or dropping into coverage, there’s little defensive coordinator Don Brown hasn’t asked of his star linebacker.
It’s Bush’s attitude that sets him apart from many of his peers, though.
He hates the other team. He doesn’t care who’s in front of him. And he’ll do whatever it takes to win.
“Honestly, I just hate the other team while I’m playing,” Bush said, per The Blade. “I don’t like playing against other opponents. Knowing that someone is looking you in the eye and doing their best to beat you is probably what makes me the most mad. As a defense, we all have that same mindset, and that’s why you see what you see on Saturdays.”
It’s easy to see why Bush is already one of college football’s elite linebackers.
To put it plainly, he’s a freak. Bush does it all for the Wolverines and that freakish skillset will be on full display this Saturday in Ann Arbor.
Plan on him being at his best with Ohio State in town, the only game that matters at this point for 8-3 Michigan.