UM offense believes it’s closed gap on top-notch ‘D’

(Photo: David Guralnick / Detroit News)More: Harbaugh: Notre Dame will bring UM's strengths, weaknesses into focus

Michigan running back Karan Higdon said the offense has made significant improvement. Angelique S. Chengelis, The Detroit News

Ann Arbor — There isn’t any debate that Michigan’s defense that last few years has set the bar high, while the Wolverines’ offense, particularly last season, hasn’t been anywhere close to holding up its end.

An 8-5 season was evidence of that last year, and the final season statistics are hard to ignore, as well.

While the defense was ranked No. 3 nationally, the offense ranked 105th, generating an average 348.9 yards, was 110th in passing (171.2) and 91st…