We've had a lot of injuries. It puts a lot of pressure on the young guys to step up and make plays. We've done that sometimes. Sometimes, we haven't. It's just a lack of consistency. There are times when we haven't been in the right position to make plays.

The expectations here are high. That's the level we compete at. There's always pressure to win at Michigan. We go into every season thinking that we're going to win the national championship. Why would we shoot for anything less?

That would be something that would haunt us.

If there was a spark, he would be that spark. He brings that energy, and it affects us a little bit. But we've got guys stepping in and doing a good job. Max and Kevin and Jerome Jackson did their part. But missing Mike does hurt.

This is our biggest rivalry, and it's something you really can't explain. I've tried to put it in words many times, but I really can't. This is a game you're on a mission to play.