Jesse Minter presided over the nation’s leading scoring defense this season. But, for much of Michigan’s Rose Bowl preparations, the Wolverines endured countless questions of their worth.

Sure, Michigan allowed just 9.5 points per game all season long. They also faced questions about a string of horrific offenses within the B1G during the regular season.

Yeah, Mike Sainristil and Will Johnson are elite, NFL-caliber defensive backs behind a host of game-wrecking defensive linemen. But they had also never faced a mobile quarterback the caliber of Jalen Milroe.

Fortunately, it did not take long into the Rose Bowl to prove Minter and his unit were up to the task of facing Milroe and Nick Saban’s Alabama offense.

On the very first drive of the game, the Wolverines sent Alabama’s offense on a backward trajectory. Sacks by Braiden McGregor and Josaiah Stewart kept the Tide behind the sticks and set the table for a record-setting 5 first-half sacks.

And make no mistake about it: Michigan’s complete defense was much more than just a pass rush in the first half. Outside of a short-field touchdown that covered 44 yards, Alabama produced just 47 yards of offense before the break.

The real story — beyond the defense — might be what could have been if not for Michigan’s horrific special teams performance. Spoiler alert: It likely would have been a bloodbath in Pasadena if the Wolverines converted their kicks and held onto the ball on punt returns.

In the second half, Alabama did start to carve out some consistency on offense, but the Wolverine defense was there every time to answer the bell. After the Tide took a 17-13 lead and got the ball right back, Minter’s defense was there with a takeaway with Quinten Johnson forcing Milroe into a fumble.

Then, arguably the biggest defensive sequence of regulation, the Wolverine defense responded after a missed field goal. Alabama mounted a steady drive and made it all the way to Michigan’s 30-yard line with 7 minutes remaining. A touchdown drive would have all but ended the game with a 10-point lead for the Tide.

Instead, Braiden McGregor threw Milroe for a 5-yard loss on 3rd down to force a field goal. Will Reichard would nail the 52-yard try to make it a 7-point game, but the defense kept it at a one-possession game to set the table.

Even once the game went to overtime, Michigan still needed more work from their defense after a quick touchdown gave the Wolverines a lead. And after 2 plays, it looked like additional overtime periods would be required.

Milroe once again delivered a big-time pickup with his legs and rushed for 15 yards to set up 1st-and-goal from the 9. The Wolverines responded by stopping Jase McClellan for no gain and a loss of 5 yards on back-to-back plays before Milroe eventually set up the game-deciding play from the 3-yard line.

Here’s how that play went down:

At face value, it looked like a questionable call by Alabama, and fans predictably ripped offensive coordinator Tommy Rees for the decision. However, it should be pointed out that Minter’s defensive playcall — and the defensive execution from the players — was spot on.

While Junior Colson going in motion gave the appearance of opening up the middle of the field, Michigan still kept 6 defenders in the box to account for Milroe’s legs. That group of players included Mike Sainristil cutting off the edge and Michigan’s defensive linemen winning at the point of attack.

And if there’s any doubt that Minter was one step ahead of Alabama all game long, the raw numbers tell a stark story.

Milroe — for all his ability — was held to 116 passing yards in the game. Alabama’s rushing attack did manage 172 yards, but McClellan delivered 34 of those yards on one single play in the first quarter.

Ultimately, Alabama’s offense was held to 288 yards of offense — over 100 yards below their average — and a 3-for-13 performance on 3rd downs. Advantage, Minter, and it gives the Wolverines a leg up in the title game, no matter who comes out on top in the Sugar Bowl.