Changes...

Most Michigan fans were confused when the new defensive coaching staff implemented the strange 4-4, 4-3 under, "elephant" defense last season. Then, earlier this off-season, people began to worry that Michigan was returning to the 3-3-5 system Rich Rodriguez's West Virginia teams operated under.

Well, things are changing, but not quite to that extent. Michigan will feature a new look this fall, except instead of a 3-3-5, it will be a 4-2-5.

Why a 4-2-5, you ask? Well, Michigan currently lacks a lot of talented, proven linebackers. It would make no sense to move to a 3-3-5 and sacrifice a member from the strongest unit on the team (the defensive line), so Michigan's coaches created a new position known as the "spur", manned by Michael Williams. Here's a quick picture of what I'm talking about -

(HT: Touch the Banner)

The defensive alignment is very similar to last year in it's fluidity and flexibility, only Michigan will have one true deep safety, with two boundary safety/linebacker hybrids. Stevie Brown's SAM position is essentially gone as well with this outlook.

This defense allows Michigan to counter a number of spread sets, as well as keep some more athletic safety types (Mike Jones, Brandin Hawthorne) on the field instead of pure linebackers who struggle in coverage. The only downside is, power teams will be able to abuse the lack of size in the back seven. But if Bruce Tall can keep the defensive line improving as the year goes on, and Greg Robinson can work a little magic with the linebackers, Michigan has the potential to be a better defense this coming season.

They just need to find some safeties and cornerbacks.