The ‘O.G.’ of the defensive system that Michigan installed in 2021, Wink Martindale showed off why he was once one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL. Despite Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter having better overall success, they never held the OSU offense to just 10 points as Martindale had.

Immediately following Michigan's 13-10 upset of then-No. 2 Ohio State, and the aftermath that took place at midfield, questions were immediately raised as to why the Buckeyes neglected to use the best weapons they had on offense — their wide receivers.

Michigan’s defense grew stronger later in the season, and the players said they owe that in large part to Martindale adjusting to the college game.

"When your best players are playing their best, that's when you have a lot of success," Michigan football DC Wink Martindale said.

Michigan’s win over Ohio State may have happened nearly a month ago, but Wink Martindale was over the moon to talk about it Saturday. “I’m so glad,” Martindale quipped Saturday before the Wolverines’ ReliaQuest Bowl practice at Jesuit High School.