Rod Moore’s long-awaited return should help Michigan’s pass defense

The Michigan defense has been good through four games, not great, but it continues to improve. The Wolverines ranked 59^th in the NCAA in pass efficiency defense and 75^th in passing yards allowed per game (213.8) through four weeks, and there have been several blown coverages or holes in zones that need to be patched up for the rest of Big Ten seasons and beyond. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, for one, threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns against the Wolverines in a 30-27 loss, while Oklahoma’s John Mateer put up 270 and a score in a 24-13 win. 

The expectation is that it will continue to improve as the young guys in the secondary mature, and with Rod Moore’s return. The veteran safety played 21 plays in his return to action Sept. 20 at Nebraska following a knee injury, and the Wolverines were successful on many of them. 

Until then, it had been 623 days since he last took the field in game action.

“He came up and gave me a huge hug before the game was over, by the way, which was a bit annoying because we still had to kneel it out,” interim coach Biff Poggi said after the Nebraska game. “But he said, ‘I’m so happy that my first game back is a Big Ten game … a Big Ten win.’ I’m very happy for that young guy.”

Michigan assistant WR coach Erik Campbell, meanwhile, found him after the win and gave him a big hug. Moore said before the season, “I know I’ll probably cry before that first game [back] … it’s a lot of energy, a lot of built-up emotions that I can’t even put into words that will be released on that day.” While there were no waterworks, he looked elated to be back, adding, “I feel great” when asked how his knee held up.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore had to watch from his couch, serving the second of his two-game suspension issued by the NCAA, but he could sense his captain’s importance even 100 miles away.

“So powerful,” he said. “Rod, when he’s just in practice, is just a leader. He’s a vocal leader, and a leader with the team. When he’s on the field, he’s like a coach. You can make adjustments, you can make calls, but he [does things] those other guys can’t do. Rod’s just a little different because he’s done it for so many snaps in such a high level.

“But watching him go out there was magical. It was awesome to see the progress he’s made with his knee over the years and what he’s done, and how he feels now. It feels great, and it was great to watch Rod make plays.”

Moore suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during spring practice in March 2024, but he also had a meniscus tear that wasn’t discovered or repaired. That led to enduring pain during his rehab and a second surgery in December 2024, one that delayed his return. 

Now, though, he’s back and healthy, and the hope is that he’ll continue to shake of the rust and improve the Michigan pass defense. The Wolverines ranked a disappointing 96^th nationally of 20-plus yard pass plays allowed with 13 through four weeks, and several have come on blown coverages.

“I think one, it’s communication, but [other teams], they execute, too,” Moore said. “So, there are things that we’ve just got to get fixed, and I know they got fixed right away [at Nebraska], so that’s a good thing … good thing to see.

“I credit the staff on what they’ve done with a bunch of young players, especially in the back end … this team is really coming together with young secondary young guys that are making plays all over the place.”

With the hope of many more to come with Moore’s return.