Wink Martindale immediately shut down the question Saturday, unwilling to entertain the idea that Michigan’s defensive surge late had anything to do with him changing. Martindale, 61, is in his first season as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator after a two-decade career in the NFL,

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.

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.

"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.