ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It was an uncharacteristic game for Michigan football cornerback Will Johnson, dubbed by many as the best college football player in the country. In Week 1, Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene was actively targeting Johnson and managed to have his fair amount of success, to the surprise of many.
That is, until he didn’t, as Johnson housed an 86-yard interception.
Johnson spent much of the game tinkering, working to see what he could pick off, which caught up to him at times. But having a short memory was key for him to being able to stay focused so that he could make that game-sealing play late in the game.
“I think I did good. I think I got a lot of room to improve, first time getting back out there and being with the defense. I’m excited glad we got the win. I’m excited to get ready for this week,” Johnson said. “Obviously, I don’t like getting the ball caught on me at all. So anytime they catch the ball, it’s definitely not a good thing to me, but gotta go on to the next play and try to make it play when my number’s called.”
According to PFF, Johnson was targeted eight times and allowed five receptions for 77 yards in the season opener. That’s tied for the most targets and the second-most receptions that Johnson has given up in a single game. It’s also the third-most yardage he’s given up, per PFF.
That said, Johnson had to try not to think about what was happening before that interception.
“I try not to think too much about the bad plays,” Johnson said. “You don’t want it to affect your game. I mean, it happens. Stuff happens. So got to keep playing, got to keep doing what you do. So, I wanted to keep playing my game, and obviously it helped me out by just sticking to what I do.”
Saturday will provide a much bigger challenge. Texas boasts one of the best quarterbacks in the country and an explosive cadre of wide receivers, including former Alabama wideout Isaiah Bond. Bond had four catches for 47 yards last year, but Johnson didn’t allow any receptions on him in the Rose Bowl.
For Michigan to come away with a victory in Week 2, he’ll have to be on his game. And he’s already very much on high alert.
“I think they’ve got a very explosive group, a very explosive team as a whole,” Johnson said. “Quinn Ewers is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, so we got to be prepared for him, and we’re ready to go out there and execute.”
Michigan and Texas will face off at 12:10 p.m. EDT with the game broadcast nationally on Fox.