Which Michigan football players need to step up against rival Buckeyes
Michigan has had this game circled on its calendars since last year’s heart-shattering loss to TCU.
Michigan won The Game in both 2021 and 2022 and is looking to extend its win streak to a third consecutive year. This would be the first time since the mid-1990s that Michigan has won three times in a row against the Buckeyes.
Of course, wins like this do not come easy. Michigan will need a number of its best players to step up, and program legends will be cemented with a win.
Last year it was Donovan Edwards. The year before it was Aidan Hutchinson and Hassan Haskins. Who will be Michigan’s savior this time around?
J.J. McCarthy, QB
This is the first time all season I have used Michigan’s signal caller as a key player.
It feels almost lazy to put the quarterback as one of the most important player because, well, duh. However, Saturday will be a special test for McCarthy. Not only are the Buckeyes the largest test of the year, but he is dealing with a lower body injury that is clearly hindering his ability to escape the pocket and make high level throws.
Michigan will need its offense to operate effectively on the ground and through the air if it wants to win in Ann Arbor. McCarthy will have to create and find the big plays, much like last year.
Will Johnson, CB
Ohio State may not have the quarterback talent of the last two years, but it might have the best player in college football. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is a special talent. He is already a lock to be a top five pick in the upcoming draft.
Johnson is Michigan’s symbol for holding him down.
Though it’s unlikely Johnson shadows Harrison or even plays a lot of man coverage against him, the cornerback will be the toughest talent Harrison has faced all season. If Harrison is kept under 100 yards, Michigan wins the game.
Jaylen Harrell, Edge
The pass rush is, obviously, crucial.
Jaylen Harrell leads Michigan in sacks this season, and has been strong against the run. Ohio State’s left tackle is San Diego State transfer Josh Simmons, who has struggled with penalties for much of the season and leaves the door open for Michigan to abuse him with blitzes and aggressive pass rushers.
Expect to see Harrell and the other edge defenders get after the quarterback with violent energy and persistence. There will likely be some dropping into coverage as well to mix up the playbook.
Junior Colson, LB
Tackle, tackle, tackle.
Colson has been very good this season for Michigan, and he needs to have another strong performance against the Buckeyes. Colson has 60 tackles this season, 18 more than the next highest player.
Junior will be called on to fill gaps in a big way against Ohio State. Henderson and Trayanum are a strong duo, and have the ability to gash Michigan on the ground. Colson needs to make his reads, fill his gaps and hit with power.
In a lesser sense, covering tight end Cade Stover will be important in short yardage and red zone situations.
This very well may be Colson’s last game in The Big House. He has the chance to cement his legacy with a monster performance in the one of the biggest games in program history.
James Turner, K
Another debut appearance on the important players list.
I mentioned in another article that special teams often decides the winner of close games. James Turner will be responsible for turning stalling drives into scoring drives, and converting extra points to keep Michigan from playing from behind.
The kicking game has not really hurt Michigan this season, but Turner has only made nine field goals on the season. Look for Turner to be called on to hit big kicks in big moments.
