...
Athletic director Dave Brandon isn't ready to share his thoughts on the Rodriguez-led program that has won just four of 20 conference games and 13 of 32 overall.
"I'll comment on the state of the program after the season," Brandon said Monday morning. "I know the coaches and the players are working hard to get better."
The Wolverines seem to be getting worse on defense, giving up at least 34 points in each Big Ten game after opening the season by allowing Connecticut and Notre Dame to score 34 points combined.
"I don't know how much improvement you're going to get during a season," Rodriguez said.
Michigan's secondary was decimated before the season started. Cornerback Donovan Warren chose to skip his senior year to enter the NFL draft, cornerback Troy Woolfolk broke his ankle and other potential contributors either transferred or couldn't get into the school.
The results haven't been pretty.
Michigan's defense ranks 117th in major college football -- out of 120 teams -- against the pass, giving up 290.5 yards a game; 106th in total defense, allowing 440.3 yards a game; 110th in first downs, giving up 184; and teams are averaging 30 points against the unit, sinking it to 89th in the nation.