The Michigan Wolverines won their second biggest road game of the season this past Saturday and are resting up in preparation for the Wisconsin Badgers on October 4 at the Big House in Ann Arbor.
The Wolverines’ defense gave up 27 points to the Cornhuskers but seven came off of a Hail Mary before halftime that caused Michigan fans to question the team’s players and coaches.
A redemptive second half included strong play from Michigan’s pass rushers including Jaishawn Barham, many of whom harassed Huskers QB Dylan Raiola into a rough half in Lincoln.
Recently, Michigan guard Nate Ofobi spoke about the Wolverines’ rising star at rush linebacker, comparing him to a 2025 NFL Draft pick whose name will be instantly familiar to Michigan fans.
Barham Compared to Star Defensive Tackle
Barham was compared to former Michigan star Mason Graham by Efobi, based on the leverage, strength and power he plays with near the line of scrimmage.
Efobi’s comparison is an unusual one considering linebackers are almost never compared to defensive tackles.
Barham’s burst and ability to track down and hit the ball carrier are unique talents that change the complexion of the game for Michigan, as noted by Efobi and others recently.
“Nate Efobi says blocking Jaishawn Barsham in practice is like ‘blocking Mason Graham if he lost 100 pounds,’” reporter Anthony Broome said.
“Says he’s happy the rest of the country gets to see what he can do as a pass rusher now.”
Barham has 11 solo tackles and three sacks this season.
His impact is felt by opposing offensives even when he doesn’t hit the quarterback considering his acceleration and stopping power as a tackler who generally doesn’t miss opportunities to put ball carriers on the turf.
Wolverines Studying Two NFL Teams, Efobi Says
Efobi, a junior offensive guard from Atlanta, told Broome that the Wolverines have studied two of the NFL’s top rushing teams to improve their rushing plays.
“(Efobi) says the staff shows them a lot of Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions film on how to effectively run outside zone,” Broome wrote.
“Says those are two teams they see a lot of in film study.”
The Lions and Ravens combined for 309 rushing yards on Monday Night Football earlier this week, showing the power of a multi-faceted offensive attack with multiple runners each capable of reeling off 100-plus yard games.
The Wolverines have three or more players capable of ground game explosions including Bryce Underwood, Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall.
Efobi and the rest of the Wolverines’ offense goes up against top tier talents including Barham every day in practice.
It’s beginning to pay off for a team with hopes of a deep run in the College Football Playoffs later this season.