When you look at the final score in Michigan's 21-18 win over Penn State, it's easy to focus on the quarterback change that sparked the Wolverines' second-half comeback. However, Michigan's defense deserves plenty of credit for keeping the game within reach. With the offense managing just 80 yards and zero points in the first half, the defense held Penn State to only a field goal through two quarters. Kyle Whittingham and Co. needed a strong defensive performance, and that's exactly what they got. The Wolverines made enough plays to survive and get back in the win column.

In a close game like Saturday's, using a tool like Pro Football Focus allows us to see what happened on a player-by-player basis and gives some insight as to how it really went. It's not gospel, but there are some things that just don't show up in the box score that can tell another part of the story.

Moore was Michigan's highest-graded defensive player by a significant margin, earning an outstanding 86.8 overall grade across 33 defensive snaps. His biggest contribution came in coverage, where he posted an impressive 88.7 grade, due in part to his interception. Moore also earned an 81.0 tackling grade and finished with four tackles and an interception. He allowed three receptions for just 14 yards on three targets, showing that he was consistently in position to limit damage. His performance was a major bright spot for Michigan's secondary.

Bracy turned in another strong performance in Michigan's secondary, earning a 75.0 overall defensive grade across a team-high 80 snaps. He was particularly effective against the run, posting a 79.7 run-defense grade, while also earning an outstanding 83.9 tackling grade. Bracy finished with five total tackles and was credited with three defensive stops by PFF. He also allowed just one reception for seven yards on three targets. His ability to contribute against both the run and pass made him one of Michigan's most reliable defenders. He was huge in the second half picking off a pass and forcing a fumble that Michigan recovered.

Daley continues to be a disruptive presence along Michigan's defensive front, earning a 70.7 overall grade across 65 snaps. He was particularly effective against the run, posting a 75.2 run-defense grade and a 75.6 tackling grade. Daley finished with two tackles, including a sack, while PFF credited him with three total quarterback pressures. Those included one sack, one quarterback hit and one hurry. His ability to create pressure and hold up against the run was important in keeping Penn State's offense in check.

Michigan's pass rush generated 17 total pressures against Penn State, including three sacks, four quarterback hits and 10 hurries. Trey Pierce led the team with three pressures, while Daley also recorded three. Enow Etta added two pressures, both coming on quarterback hurries.

Michigan's tackling was a mixed bag. Bracy led the qualifying defenders with an 83.9 tackling grade, followed by Moore at 81.0. However, Etta struggled significantly, earning a team-low 26.4 tackling grade. Chase Taylor wasn't much better at 41.4.

Cornerback Jyaire Hill had a particularly rough afternoon. He finished with a 49.7 overall defensive grade and a 46.1 coverage grade across 72 snaps. Hill was targeted nine times, allowing seven receptions for 85 yards. He was also charged with two penalties, the most of any Michigan defender.