Michigan’s defence is characterised as “incredibly talented all around” by OSU quarterback Kyle McCord.
Throughout college football history, the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes have consistently fielded elite defensive teams. These two programmes are known for their tough, hard-nosed defences, which start at the defensive line and go all the way down to the secondary.
This season is the same as last. According to SP+, Michigan’s defence is ranked No. 2, while OSU’s is ranked first. OSU’s rush defence is ranked 19th in the country, while Michigan’s is ranked eighth. The pass defence of the Buckeyes is ranked #1 in the nation, while Michigan’s is ranked #2.
Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator for OSU, has undoubtedly improved since the team’s season-ending losses to Georgia (42) and Michigan (45 points allowed) the previous year. Jesse Minter, the defensive coordinator for U-M, can be said the same after his team gave up 51 points.demonstrates TCU.
Overall, the defences of these two teams will be aiming to perform at their highest levels on Saturday, and many on the OSU side of the rivalry are aware of how difficult it will be to overcome U-M’s defence.
Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord is aware that Michigan is upholding its end of the agreement by fielding a top-tier defence before this game, as he stated in interviews with the media earlier this week.
“They’re obviously very talented in all areas,” McCord remarked. “They play really hard, and they are obviously really well-coached.” I think the first thing that strikes you when you turn on the movie is how hard the players play, how much effort they put in, and the fact that they are playing the way they should.We know it’s going to be a fist fight on Saturday, but I think we’ll be ready for it. I think that starts a lot with their effort now.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is getting ready for Michigan’s formidable defence just as much. This weekend, he’ll take on Will Johnson, a sophomore cornerback who has yet to give up a touchdown this year, an elite player. Johnson has 1,093 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
Harrison Jr. acknowledged that he was “excited” about the game against Johnson, even though the reporter had specifically asked him to say as much. However, he also complimented Johnson on his skills as a cornerback.
“I’m excited to see where (Johnson’s) career takes him, but that’s not really a matchup I’m looking forward to,” Harrison Jr. remarked.
Now, don’t take that last part of the quote seriously because he appears hesitant to confront Johnson. That is not at all the case. Harrison Jr. elaborated on how different cornerbacks follow different receivers on different plays, with some lining up in the slot and others outside. When Johnson is lined up in theslot; that will fall to Mike Sainristil and the safeties. However, Johnson will almost definitely be put in charge of Harrison Jr. when the wide receiver is lined up.
In summary, both Ohio State and Michigan are well aware of what each other have to offer. To win, both teams will have to play their best game of the year. This Saturday in Ann Arbour, expect an incredible game with everything on the line.
