As dominant as Michigan's defense has been through nine games, where it ranks among the best all-time is far from being determined. The Wolverines have allowed 6.7 points and 231.4 yards per game, figures comparable to those put up by the celebrated 2011 Alabama defense. Its remaining schedule — at Penn State, at Maryland and Ohio State at home — is ranked as the second toughest.
No. 2 Michigan is seemingly unfazed by an NCAA investigation into allegations that they broke rules with a sign-stealing scheme that could potentially penalize the program and coaching staff. Blake Corum matched his season high with three touchdowns and Semaj Morgan ran for a 44-yard score, leading the third-ranked Wolverines to a 41-13 victory over Purdue on Saturday night. “All that outside noise is just noise,” said Michigan’s Heisman Trophy-candidate quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was 24 of 37 for a season-high 335 yards.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh spoke with reporters for the first time since news of the NCAA’s investigation into alleged on-site sign-stealing became public.
No. 2 Michigan put together perhaps its most complete performance of its unbeaten season, and still wasn't satisfied. J.J. McCarthy threw three of his career-high four touchdown passes in the first half and the second-ranked Wolverines routed Michigan State 49-0 on Saturday night. “We’re not even close to our peak yet,” McCarthy said.