We are on the doorstep of another Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry game and there are plenty of storylines to watch. One of those is the status of Wolverine star defensive back, Will Johnson, widely regarded as a first-round NFL draft pick come April.
Johnson has been dealing with an injury for a few games now but there were rumors that he might make it back for the game against the Buckeyes. However, based on multiple reports, he is expected to not play when things kick off for “The Game” at Noon ET on Saturday.
Johnson’s absence is huge if true. He has only played in six games this season and the Michigan pass defense has suffered greatly because of it, allowing 222.3 yards per game (No. 72 in FBS), while giving up 6.6 yards per pass attempt (remember, that includes incompletions).
Sources: Michigan All-American cornerback Will Johnson is not expected to play against Ohio State on Saturday. He’s been battling a toe injury that he suffered on Oct. 19 against Illinois. pic.twitter.com/oqod46xMRf
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 29, 2024
Having an All-American and potential top-ten NFL draft pick sidelined for the bitter rivalry on Saturday could unlock the passing game for Ohio State already more than what the gameplan would have called for.
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We’re still awaiting the status of Michigan’s star tight end, Colston Loveland as well. He left the Northwestern game last week with a shoulder injury. Head coach Sherrone Moore said that he is “trending in the right direction” at his press conference on Monday, but we’ll have to wait and see.
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