Rich Rodriguez doesn't plan any changes in Michigan's coaching staff

“I feel very good about our staff,” Rodriguez said at his Monday press conference. “Got great people on our staff. Great family men, good recruiters. They love working here.

“I think what I have to do is evaluate what we're doing scheme-wise. Does it fit? Again, I'm more knowledgeable with what we're doing offensively, where the adjustments need to be made, because I've been doing that for 20 years. Defensively, we're evolving.”

Rodriguez changed defensive coordinators after going 3-9 last year, forcing Scott Schafer out and hiring Greg Robinson.

Robinson has an impressive pedigree, including 2 Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos, but Michigan’s new 3-4 defense has shown little improvement from last year.

The Wolverines gave up 347 points a season ago, most in school history. They’ve allowed 309 this year and opponents have averaged 39 points the last four games - exactly what Ohio State needs to score Saturday (noon, ABC-TV) to send Michigan to a new low.

“If you look at defensively what we struggled at this year, you also got to look at where we were at personnel-wise,” Rodriguez said. “It's a tough deal when you look at what we're doing personnel-wise defensively, no matter what scheme you're running.”

Michigan starts just two seniors on defense - end Brandon Graham and linebacker Stevie Brown - and has started two walk-ons (linebacker Kevin Leach and safety Jordan Kovacs) part of the year.

Despite the numbers, defensive tackle Ryan Van Bergen said Michigan has improved defensively under Robinson.

“I just think the mistakes that we’re making aren’t similar because they’re not sustained drives that we’re giving up, we’re giving up big plays,” Van Bergen said. “I know that’s not better. I think if we can stop doing that, can stop giving up the 4 or 5 plays that give them 60 yards or a touchdown, then we can really turn the games around in our favor.”