For the other parts of the Michigan football midseason report, visit http://www.michigandaily.com/section/sports.

1. Boubacar Cissoko/J.T. Floyd, cornerbacks

Through six games, the secondary has been the most team’s glaring weakness. The Wolverines are dead last in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game, and the lack of a true second cornerback opposite stalwart Donovan Warren has deeply hindered their ability to find consistency at the position.

One of these two needs to step up so cornerback-turned-safety-turned-cornerback Troy Woolfolk can move back to strong safety, where his speed can really help a shaky defensive unit.

2. Obi Ezeh, middle linebacker

Yes, Ezeh is sixth in the Big Ten with 55 tackles. But there’s more to his position than takedowns, especially in new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson’s wacky scheme. Ezeh’s pass coverage leaves much to be desired, and as the “quarterback of the defense,” it’s up to the middle linebacker to shoulder the load for a defense that’s on track to give up almost 300 points — which could potentially be the worst in school history.

3. Greg Mathews, wide receiver

In the 2008 Capital One Bowl, Mathews had a breakout game — or that’s what Michigan fans thought at the time. Especially after Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington left for the NFL.

Through six games this season, Mathews has the same number of catches, seven, as in that one bowl game — and just 24 more total yards. He’s also averaging just 3.4 yards per punt return, and he muffed a critical punt late against Iowa that could have changed the outcome of the game.

Well, at least he had that one touchdown against Notre Dame.

4. Darryl Stonum, wide receiver, kick returner

If Michigan is going to continue to play in these tight, heart attack-inducing games, special teams is going to play a huge factor. One could definitely argue that Stonum is the reason the Wolverines upset Notre Dame, but the Texan has trailed off since then.

Stonum was No. 15 in the country in yards per kick return after the Indiana game, but in the losses to Michigan State and Iowa, he averaged just 18.8 yards per return. That definitely kills the field-position battle. The return game is essential to the offense’s success — and that success rests on Stonum from here on out.

5. Tate Forcier/Denard Robinson, quarterbacks

Here are the Daily, we’re not about to knock these two. They, especially Forcier, have far exceeded expectations — and with their quick adaptation to college football, there’s no way Michigan would be 4-2 at the midway point. So, putting Forcier and Robinson on this list isn’t necessarily negative — we’re just saying they need to step up even more as leaders if they Wolverines want to finish strong.