Michigan Struck by Significant Injury News Before Ohio State Rivalry Game
The 6-5 Michigan Wolverines are already clear underdogs heading into Saturday's game against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes. With the game being played in Columbus and following Michigan's recent success, the Buckeyes will be more fired up than ever for one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports, and it may of just gotten a little worse for the Wolverines.
On Friday, the Wolverines were dealt a significant blow to their defense as it was announced that star cornerback Will Johnson is not expected to play against Ohio State. This comes after Johnson had initially been listed as a "we'll see" by head coach Sherrone Moore earlier in the week.
Johnson is dealing with what appears to be a significant toe injury, which has kept him out since October 19th. Now, Michigan's defense will have to adjust and try to contain Ohio State's elite receiving corps—featuring freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate—without their top defensive back.
Entering the season, Johnson was considered the next man up at cornerback for the Wolverines, but the injury has derailed much of his junior year.
This game marks the 120th edition of the rivalry between these two teams, with Michigan holding the all-time series lead at 61-51-6. The Wolverines have won the last three matchups, but Ohio State dominated the eight meetings prior to that.
Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
With a win, the Buckeyes would clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. However, in this rivalry, you can never underestimate the underdog—especially when it’s Michigan. The Wolverines will enter Saturday's game in Columbus with that mindset, even without Will Johnson on the field.
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