Tag: Khaleke Hudson

Khaleke Hudson hilariously believes Michigan football has more talent than Ohio State

Michigan senior Khalike Hudson believes Wolverines’ roster has more talent than what Ohio State does.

Here’s one that’ll make you chuckle Buckeye fans.

According to quotes from Michigan linebacker/safety (viper) Khaleke Hudson, he believes there’s more talent on the Wolverines’ roster than what’s impressing NFL scouts on the banks of the Olentangy at Ohio State. This despite two consecutive blowout losses suggesting otherwise.

When speaking to reporters this week according to our sister site Wolverines Wire, Hudson took offense to any talk of a gap between the Buckeye program and Michigan. He first spoke to the facilities that have come a bit under fire since former Michigan videographer criticized the facilities in Columbus to what he was used to in Ann Arbor.

“I’m not sure what they got at their facility, but I know we got one of the best facilities in the world,” Hudson said. “And we’ve got one of the best coaches in the world. We got the best teammates in the world.

“I don’t know where they’re at, but I know we’re higher up.”

Hudson was then redirected about the perceived talent gap on the field, rather than the facilities and doubled down further.

“I feel like our talent is better,” he said.

Michigan gets a shot to try and back that up and wash out the sour taste of the Ohio State game when it travels to Orlando to take another team that many feel has a gap in talent far superior to Hudson’s team — the Alabama Crimson Tide.

 

Khaleke Hudson: ‘I feel like our talent is better’ at Michigan than Ohio State

The Wolverines senior captain doesn’t just feel like there’s no gap with OSU, he feels like Michigan has it better.

[jwplayer mOQiYInw-XNcErKyb]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. —  Since Michigan lost its second consecutive blowout at the hands of archrival Ohio State, there’s been a lot of question about how far apart the two programs are as of current.

It’s difficult to precisely note just where the gap exists, if not everywhere, and that conversation has gathered more steam this past week, with former Michigan videographer Ty Rogers noting on Twitter that seemingly facilities-wise, the Buckeyes seem far ahead as he visited the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

But Wolverines VIPER and team captain Khaleke Hudson disagrees with the notion that the two programs are far apart in that area.

“I’m not sure what they got at their facility, but I know we got one of the best facilities in the world,” Hudson said. “And we’ve got one of the best coaches in the world. We got the best teammates in the world.

“I don’t know where they’re at, but I know we’re higher up.”

But what about talent? OSU boasts a lot of big-time playmakers and perennially has several high-round NFL Draft picks.

But Hudson not only feels like there’s no disparity, but that Michigan, as the cliche goes, has it better.

“I feel like our talent is better,” he said.

While the scores the past two years prove otherwise at the moment, the Wolverines will have a chance to make a statement, as they take on the formidable Alabama Crimson Tide at the VRBO Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1 in Orlando. Kickoff is slated for 1PM at Camping World Stadium.

Three Wolverines are set to participate in East-West Shrine Bowl

Three Wolverines are set to participate in the elite showcase after their college careers end.

[jwplayer KzMk1HAa-XNcErKyb]

It’s that time of year, when outgoing college football players with eyes on the next level that aren’t first-round NFL Draft locks look for the appropriate showcase for NFL scouts.

In Ann Arbor, we’ve already seen TE Sean McKeon select the Reese’s Senior Bowl as his post-Michigan bowl game showcase of choice, but what about the others?

Well, one Wolverines standout found his destination.

While he might be a household name to Michigan fans, cornerback Lavert Hill might not be quite as well-known nationally. That’s because he’s so rarely targeted, given his proficiency in press-man coverage, that his name often can go games between mentions. However, the two-time All-Big Ten first-team defensive back is looking to improve his draft stock, and has selected the East West Shrine Bowl as his showcase of choice, the game announced on Twitter on Thursday.

But he’s not alone.

Team captain and Wolverines VIPER Khaleke Hudson is set to join him January 18, 2020 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Hudson had a bounce back year at the hybrid linebacker position, finishing with a team-leading 96 tackles, to go along with 3 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

That’s not all, however.

Thought McKeon was sticking to just the Reese’s Senior Bowl? Looks like the Wolverines standout TE will be pulling double-duty, participating in the Shrine Bowl in Florida before heading to Mobile, Alabama the following week for the next showcase.

As of now, the maize and blue look to be better represented in the Florida showcase than the Alabama one. However, there’s still plenty of time for the cadre of seniors to select their desired post-collegiate bowl game.

The Shrine Game will air at 3PM EST on January 18, 2020 on NFL Network.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Michigan players: Beating Ohio State is season-defining

Michigan football will try and upset the Buckeyes on Saturday, as the Wolverines know this is a season-defining game for them.

[jwplayer t9O6cACQ-XNcErKyb]

No matter the record, no matter the history, no matter what is going on, every year the biggest game for Michigan is against Ohio State. The same goes for the Buckeyes as they treat it just as serious as the Wolverines, if not a step further.

Michigan has been on the losing end of the rivalry for the past 15 years, winning just once in 2011. Despite the lopsidedness in recent years, both teams still want to go out and win this game more than any other on their schedule. It’s the Superbowl for both teams and even if they ever both come into the game 0-11, that one win would mean even more knowing that it was against their rival and that 12th loss would sting more than the rest.

This year’s win could be a huge defining game for both teams. If Michigan wins, it’s easily their best win on the season as they would beat the best team in college football and have the Buckeyes only loss be to them would be something they could throw at them, even if they win the national championship.

If Ohio State wins the game, they go undefeated and secure a playoff spot for themselves and defeat another ranked team to boost their strength of schedule argument and once again proclaim that they own the Wolverines.

The players on Michigan know just how much of a season-defining game this can be for this team, and how important it is to their season every year.

“I believe this game is a big part of our season, put the icing on top of our season,” linebacker Khaleke Hudson said. “It’s huge for us. Feel like we don’t got nothing to lose, we’re going out there with just a dawg mentality. Just try to go out there and try to ruin anything they got planned on going while still staying to our task. Staying true to what we want to do for the rest of our season. Just going out there and trying to be the best team.”

“We always want to win the game, (go) against this team with a win,” wide receiver Nico Collins said. “This is probably the most important time of the year in November. Those are the ones you remember.

Not only do the players know it’s a big game for them, but they also know how important it is to Ohio State, their players and the coaching staff.

“Absolutely, I think this is a huge part of both of our programs, is this matchup,” offensive lineman Ben Bredeson said. “I think any time you beat Ohio State or they beat us, it’s considered a good season at the respective school. Obviously, there’s other games on the schedule, but we all know which one’s the most important.”

“Yeah, to me, I think it does, probably them, too,” tight end Nick Eubanks said. “It probably defines their season as well. We know what type of game this is. We know what we need in this game. We’re looking for the results on Saturday.”

What kind of results will be on the stat sheet when the clock it’s all zeros after the fourth quarter happens? Only time will tell on that answer but both teams will be hoping their team scored more after 60 minutes as their seasons could drastically change after this game, win or lose.

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]

Michigan seniors ready to touch the banner one last time

Michigan seniors Shea Patterson, Ben Bredeson, Khaleke Hudson and Carlo Kemp discuss their final game at the Big House.

[jwplayer hpdi49yU-XNcErKyb]

The pageantry of college football is one of the things that makes it special. Every program is unique in its pregame traditions and rituals.

At Oklahoma, they ride the Sooner Schooner. At Colorado, they run with Ralphie. At Ohio State, they dot the I.

And at Michigan, they touch the ‘M Go Blue’ banner.

This Saturday, before the Wolverines battle the Buckeyes in the season-finale, Michigan’s seniors will slap the banner for the final time in their careers.

“I’m trying not to think about it much,” offensive guard Ben Bredeson said. “I’m just going to enjoy every second of it. There’s no other team I’d rather play my last game at home.”

Bredeson’s sentiment – that there was no other opponent than Ohio State that he’d rather compete against in his final home game – was shared by many of his fellow seniors.

“It’s a dream come true,” quarterback Shea Patterson said. “There’s no better way to go out than with a great team like Ohio State coming in. They’re the No. 1 team in the country. It’s gonna be an incredible challenge and it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Bredeson and Patterson each had decisions to make after last season’s 10-3 finish. Both were eligible to enter the NFL Draft, yet both chose to participate in their senior season of college football. At least for Patterson, last year’s defeat that the hands of Ohio State played a part in the decision.

“It was a huge part of it,” Patterson said. “I love playing for this team, I love playing for these coaches. I love my teammates and this university. Not only myself, but there’s countless seniors in this class that have lived the whole 365 to play in this game. We’ll be ready for it.”

The quarterback has the opportunity to even up his record against the Buckeyes to 1-1. The fourth- or fifth-year seniors don’t have that luxury this Saturday, having already lost all of their previous matchups with Ohio State, but they still have this final chance to avoid going winless in The Game.

“It’s super important because it’s your last game with all your brothers in this rivalry,” defensivetackle Carlo Kemp said. “It’s something that you talk about. You talk about this game when you’re a freshman. You watch the seniors play in this game when you’re younger, and you get to learn that history and be a part of it. It’s just something special.

“Knowing we get this opportunity one last time at home, it’s a huge honor.”

Perhaps no senior, or player for that matter, on Michigan’s roster is more ready for the final shot at the Buckeyes than linebacker Khaleke Hudson.

“It’s very important — just like every other game is very important,” Hudson said. “We’re just gonna do everything we can to prepare ourselves, the way we go into that game on Saturday with utmost confidence, just knowing that you’ve got your brothers’ back, your coaches believe in you, the fans believe in you, and everybody that means something to The Game believes in you. We’re ready to go.”

These seniors have experienced highs and lows. They’ve seen their program rise into the College Football Playoff’s Top 5 in 2016 and 2018. They’ve seen their program finish the season unranked in 2017. As freshman, some of them were there when the Wolverines lost in double-overtime in the Horseshoe in 2016. Most of them were here for last season’s lopsided loss as well.

It’s all led to this. One last touch of the banner. One last shot at Ohio State.

“I wouldn’t change a thing up to this point,” Patterson said. “This is a team that’s been through so much the past two years, this season — how we’ve been battling. We’re battle-tested. We’ve lost. Double-overtime. We’ve been through some stuff this year. I can’t sit here and tell you how it’s gonna play out on Saturday, but I can tell you that we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]

Even amidst one-sided stretch, The Game remains as important as ever

Michigan hasn’t won the Big Ten in 15 years. They’ve beaten Ohio State once in that stretch. The two facts coinciding are not a coincidence.

[jwplayer IapHitw7-XNcErKyb]

It’s often said that college football is built on rivalry games. Other sports have them – Yankees-Red Sox, Lakers-Celtics, Packers-Bears, Duke-North Carolina – but college football rivalries burn with a special intensity.

And if the sport itself is built on these rivalries, it isn’t too much of a stretch to suggest that programs are built on them as well.

Michigan-Ohio State is, in the minds of many, the greatest rivalry in college football. Some would go as far as to say it’s the greatest rivalry in all of sports, period.

As special as this game is to the fans on both sides, there’s nothing that compares to being an actual participant, whether as a coach or a player.

“I’m very aware of the rivalry, having played in it, having coached in it,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said. “I grew up here and my dad was a coach. As I liken the Michigan State game to a state championship, this is even bigger. This is two-states’ championship, Michigan and Ohio. We’re excited about it. We’re excited for the challenge.”

Harbaugh watched his father coach in the game. He watched his mentor, Bo Schembechler, compete against Woody Hayes in the game.

“Pretty much had a pretty good understanding of this rivalry at a very young age,” Harbaugh said, noting also that he had great respect for the coaches and players on both sides.

Players born in these two states grow up with an appreciation for ‘The Game.’ Others born outside the rivalry, like Michigan’s Nick Eubanks – a native of Florida – quickly learn what it’s about once they step on campus.

“Michigan and Ohio State probably wasn’t relevant in my time, but as I grew up, started watching more football, it became known that this was a big rivalry,” Eubanks said. “I looked at this game more, the more I started getting interested in it. When I committed here, I had a chance my freshman year to see the big rivalry, it became very important to me and the team, too.”

Having grown up in Alabama, wide receiver Nico Collins is certainly aware of the ‘Iron Bowl’ between Alabama and Auburn – the rivalry that is often debated against ‘The Game’ as the top feud in the sport.

Collins may have grown up with the Iron Bowl, but his attention is fully on The Game this week.

“This game means a lot to me,” Collins said. “This game means a lot obviously to both teams, coaches. This game is really personal for everybody. I’ll go out Saturday, just have fun and enjoy the moment.”

Senior defensive tackle Carlo Kemp noted that even with a game-by-game approach, rivalry games stick in players’ minds throughout a season.

“This game means a lot to all of us just because there’s two games that you think about the entire year when you come to Michigan,” Kemp said. “Two of the most historic rivalries in all of football, in college sports. Nothing’s gonna change in our approach. Our whole approach this year has been day-by-day, brick-by-brick, game-by-game and on defense, play-by-play. That’s what it’s gonna take for us to be successful on Saturday.”

Linebacker Khaleke Hudson, a defensive captain alongside Kemp, agrees with his co-captain’s sentiments.

“It means a lot to me,” Hudson said. “Coming here, that’s one of your main goals, to come out and beat Ohio, beat Michigan State, beat Penn State, beat Wisconsin, beat the best teams in the Big Ten. This game means a lot to me.”

The past decade and a half of the rivalry has been unkind to the Wolverines. Michigan is 1-14 in that stretch, and it should come as no surprise that the Wolverines have failed to win a Big Ten championship over the same period.

Programs are built by beating their rivals. Ohio State has thrived in Big Ten play these past 15 seasons, winning or sharing the conference title nine times. Michigan’s program crumbled in the period, leading to an unprecedented conference title drought.

There are a lot of reasons why this game means so much to both programs, but the evidence above points to perhaps the biggest reason this rivalry is so important.

The Wolverines desperately need a win in The Game. Harbaugh desperately needs to end his winless streak as Michigan’s head coach in The Game. His program is depending on it.

“My feelings? I’m excited for the game. Excited. Up for and ready for the challenge,” Harbaugh said. “I love the competition. This is the biggest game of the year.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]

What would a win over Ohio State do for Michigan and Jim Harbaugh?

Michigan football is looking to get its first win over Ohio State in eight years. What would the win do for the program and the school?

[jwplayer lRMDFBzF-XNcErKyb]

November 26th, 2011. Eight years ago on the day. 2,922 days ago. That was how long it’s been since Michigan has beaten Ohio State. It’s the longest the Wolverines have gone without a win against the Buckeyes, with 2,562 being the previous record from 2004-2010. The number will grow to 2,926 before Saturday as well.

Playing in a rivalry game that you haven’t won in almost 3,000 days is horrendous and makes some question if it’s even a rivalry game between the two teams. Despite the length, it isn’t the longest in the rivalry history as Michigan once was on a nine-year winning streak on Ohio State that lasted from 1901-1909 as in 1910 it ended in a 3-3 tie. The length of the streak was 3,269 days for the Wolverines.

Another win by Ohio State would put them close to breaking that record if they are able to win in 2020, extend it to 2021 and get on a nine-game winning streak of their own.

But that’s a topic for another day. Today, it’s about if Michigan is able to beat Ohio State this season. What would a win this year over the Buckeyes do for the Wolverines?

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh had an interesting take on what a win would mean on Saturday, depicting the game as a battle of two states for one title.

“It’ll be the state championship between two states,” Harbaugh said. “It’d be big, it always is.”

Harbaugh winning this game would be his first in the five years he’s coached at Michigan. His 0-4 record doesn’t showcase the drama with the series, like in 2016 when the officials gave Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett a first down on a fourth-down run in double overtime that was very close but looked short and ended up being called for a first down. Ohio State would score on the next play and win the game.

The game was close in 2017, despite Michigan coming in with an 8-3 record as the Buckeyes won 31-20. 2015 and 2018 were blowouts, with the most recent one being stuck in the heads of Michigan fans around the world.

So what would a win this year mean for the players?

“Just being able to go out there and continue to building off everything we’ve been able to accomplish this year,” defensive tackle Carlo Kemp said. Obviously, getting 10 wins in the season is remarkable. Being able to play in this game, being able to represent all the historic players and the tradition of Michigan in this game, there’s a huge opportunity. To win this game, obviously, would be incredible.”

The players want this win desperately and so do the coaches, the university and the fans. The win gives the Wolverines bragging rights for an entire year, help quiet the Harbaugh critics out there and be a huge boost to the program and university itself.

Players know it too, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson added what the win would mean for Harbaugh and to finally get a point in the win column against Ohio State.

“I believe it would mean a lot for him,” Hudson said. “It would mean a lot for Michigan going forward with all aspects. With recruiting, going forward into next season, having confidence, just keep this thing going. I feel like it would be a great win for him.”

Ohio State is undefeated and is looking like the best college football team right now. They are going to the Big Ten Championship game next week with their opponent unknown right now, and before the updated College Football Playoff rankings are released tonight, they are the second-ranked team that has an argument to be ranked number one with their win over Penn State last week.

Out of the four teams Harbaugh has played before, this team is the best one yet as he has yet to take on an undefeated Buckeyes team in his tenure. With this Ohio State looking like the best team they’ve had in years, possibly ever, a win over them would speak volumes for Harbaugh and the Wolverines.

A win would shoot the Wolverines up the playoff rankings next Tuesday and suddenly question them as a playoff contender despite not reaching the conference championship game. This win would be bigger than any of the Ohio State wins that Urban Meyer had against the Wolverines, as he never went up against any undefeated Michigan teams.

Michigan winning this game not only can shake up this year’s postseason games, and end the streak that’s lasted almost 3,000 days, it could be a shifting of the tides in the rivalry and within the college football landscape. While Michigan has somewhat been back on the map with Harbaugh as head coach, this was one of the biggest hurdles he has yet to overcome. This win would put Michigan smack in the middle of the college football map.

He’s beaten Michigan State (even started a winning streak against them), he’s beaten Notre Dame, he’s won a bowl game. But those things aren’t as important as the next three: Beating Ohio State, winning a Big Ten title, and appearing/winning the College Football Playoff.

To get to those final two, you gotta get through Ohio State. While the Big Ten title can’t happen in 2019, a win over the Buckeyes this season could propel his program to get a boost and prepare to capture it in 2020. That would mean they have to get through Ohio State again, and start a winning streak of their own against the Buckeyes.

This win just isn’t a season-defining game for the Wolverines and Harbaugh, it’s a career-defining game. If he beats Ohio State at their absolute best, it would be the biggest win in his career, bigger than winning the NFC title with the San Francisco 49ers. The next biggest would be a Big Ten title win or a College Football Playoff win.

For now, the focus is on the Buckeyes and Harbaugh is looking to finally pull one out for the Wolverines as it could change the future of the rivalry and college football overall.

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]

Michigan downplays two former coaches coming to town with Ohio State

If there’s any ill-will towards the two Wolverines coaches defecting to OSU, you wouldn’t know it this week.

[jwplayer nrjZh9M5-XNcErKyb]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — You’d think with Michigan set to play its arch-rival on Saturday that there would be a war of words, especially given some of the circumstances.

However, there’s been a level of cordiality leading up to The Game against Ohio State, if not outright willful ignorance in some regard.

Yes, Michigan has acknowledged that it’s been a long while since it has beaten OSU, as has it regarded what happened last year in Columbus. Perhaps it’s an attempt to avoid bulletin board material for a team it doesn’t want to get any more fired up, particularly because the Wolverines already have a quiet reason to be angrier than usual heading into the final Saturday of November.

That’s because two former Michigan coaches inexplicably left the program this offseason in favor of joining the Buckeyes. It’s not unprecedented — famed head coach Bo Schembechler was once an assistant there, and Gary Moeller was an Ohio State team captain. Current offensive line coach Ed Warinner won national championship in Columbus in the same role, and that’s the hope for two former Wolverines coaches who are now coaching under Ryan Day.

Former linebackers coach Al Washington’s lateral move made all the sense in the world. He was the son of a former Buckeyes captain himself and grew up in Columbus revering all things scarlet and grey. But Greg Mattison, the former defensive line coach turned OSU co-defensive coordinator? His turn of the coat shocked the college football world when WolverinesWire broke the news back in January.

So, if Michigan has any hard feelings — and it indicated it did back in the spring — it’s being awfully quiet about it now.

Jim Harbaugh was asked what it would be like to face his two former assistants wearing enemy colors on Saturday and he quickly demurred, praising the job Day has done since taking over the program this offseason.

“I think Ryan Day has done a tremendous job and I think his coaching staff has done a tremendous job coaching this team,” Harbaugh said. “They’re one heckuva good football team. It’s a challenge, in terms of the preparation during the week. We’ve been doing it and attacking it and feel confident right now, feel good. Excited to get on the field and practice.”

That attitude was reflected by the players as well.

Defensive tackle Carlo Kemp has to face his former mentor in Mattison on Saturday, having played for him for three years before watching him join his archenemy. But, like Harbaugh, he isn’t taking any of the bait.

“Nothing really changes except they’ve got very good coaches, but at the same time, we’ve got very good coaches as well,” Kemp said. “Everybody in that meeting room and everybody that’s been with us — since January, since camp, since spring ball — they’ve been working for this, they’ve been thinking about this game. It’s a huge opportunity. Everybody in there is ready to go.

“Being able to be a part of this with the coaches I have in my room and the coaches that I have every day at practice, going out there and playing for them, that’s what gets you excited to this game. Getting to go out there with everybody that’s been here and is ready to go for this game.”

Fellow team captain Khaleke Hudson is in similar territory.

Washington was the Wolverines linebackers coach a year ago, and now Hudson has to see him on the opposite sideline this time around.

He harbors no ill-will towards the former Wolverines coach, and is more focused on the task at-hand rather than sending some kind of message.

At least, that’s what’s being said publicly.

“Ultimately, it’s their life, it’s their decision,” “I don’t hold anything against them. They decided to go to there. They had to make decisions for themselves and for their families. I got nothing but the most utmost respect for both of them guys. It’s gonna be good — it’s gonna feel good playing against them. They went to Ohio State — I’m not really focused on that. I’m just focused on the team, what we’ve gotta do. How we’re going to practice and how we’re going to prepare to get ready to get a victory on Saturday.”

Certainly, this Michigan team won’t be without motivation when the Buckeyes enter The Big House on Saturday, even if it is downplaying some of the key storylines in that regard.

Kickoff is slated for noon EST and the game will be broadcast nationally on FOX.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Wolverines face unique, yet familiar challenge in Justin Fields

Michigan’s defense has a tall task this weekend against Ohio State, and it starts with trying to contain Buckeye quarterback Justin Fields.

[jwplayer nrjZh9M5-XNcErKyb]

Michigan has faced gunslingers at quarterback over the course of the last five seasons. The Wolverines have faced mobile quarterbacks too.

But in all the games Michigan has played since Jim Harbaugh took over in 2015, the Wolverines may not have faced a better opposing quarterback than Ohio State’s Justin Fields.

Fields is a combination of three Buckeye quarterbacks that gave Michigan nightmares. His size and passing ability rivals that of Dwayne Haskins. His speed and athleticism induces fear like Braxton Miller. And his grit and toughness reminds you of J.T. Barrett.

Let’s throw in a fourth, from a different era, just for fun:

Think Troy Smith, but bigger.

Fields’ ability to hurt a defense in multiple ways isn’t lost on Harbaugh, who had plenty of good things to say about the quarterback on Monday.

“Justin Fields has had a tremendous year, playing winning football at all times,” Harbaugh said. “Really athletic, runs the ball extremely well. Gets a lane, gets a throw, he’ll make the throw. And also when there’s a lane, he’ll escape and he’ll do damage with himself running the football.”

Completing 69.4 percent of his passes, Fields has thrown for 2,352 yards with a staggering 33 passing touchdowns against just one interception. He’s also carried the ball 105 times for 445 yards and 10 touchdowns. Due to this running ability, Fields is an especially frustrating guy to defend on third downs.

“He’s a good dual-threat guy,” Harbaugh said. “He can hurt you in the passing game. He’s got a lot of good receivers and tight ends. Also, if they’re covered, he can pull it down, make the yardage, make the first down. Extend the drives, extend the plays. A very good player.”

If there is one criticism you can direct at Fields this season it’s this – he’s fumbled eight times in 11 games, losing four. Two of those lost fumbles came last week against Penn State, the second of which helped the Nittany Lions get within 21-17 after being down three touchdowns.

Fields made up for that later, however, throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Olave to put Penn State away.

“He’s just very dynamic, he’s very good,” said Michigan defensive tackle Carlo Kemp. “And, as you can see, he makes little mistakes. It’s just going to be [doing] whatever we can to cause those mistakes to happen.”

The Wolverines have grown accustomed to facing dynamic Buckeye quarterbacks. But familiarity hasn’t led to success.

Of all the quarterbacks mentioned above, it’s possible that Fields will be the most difficult to contain. Michigan’s defense knows the challenge that’s ahead. It remains to be seen if they have an answer.

“Execution,” defensive captian Khaleke Hudson said. “Executing the job. Every defense that we have is made to stop the run and pass. All of our guys executing our job, doing what we’ve gotta do for every second of the game — we’re gonna get that done.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]

Michigan players on last season’s loss to Ohio State: “We know what happened”

Michigan Football linebacker Khaleke Hudson and guard Ben Bredeson spoke about what happened last year against Ohio State.

[jwplayer G7SX2Ira-XNcErKyb]

In what was a shocker to not only the players and the coaching staff but the fans of both teams, last year Ohio State beat Michigan 62-39. It was a battle of two top 10 teams with the winner going to play in the Big Ten Championship game against Northwestern and it ended up being a blowout in favor of Ohio State.

The win was the biggest by the Buckeyes since 2015, the first year Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh took on the Buckeyes, where they won 42-13. It wasn’t the fact that Ohio State won by so much, but the fact that they were able to score as many points as they did, and against the best defense in the country at the time.

Michigan just didn’t have an answer to it as it was the biggest loss defensive coordinator Don Brown ever had against Ohio State. That wasn’t his worst loss ever at Michigan though. That was in 2017 when Michigan lost 42-13 against Penn State. He got his revenge from that loss last season, beating Penn State 42-7. 2019 is his chance to get it against Ohio State.

Brown will be certainly ready to get his guys in shape for this year’s game, and the players haven’t let the results from last year’s game change what will happen this year against Ohio State.

“We closed the book on last year,” Michigan captain and starting guard Ben Bredeson said. “We know what happened, they know what happened. Last year’s score won’t affect the game at all. We know what it takes — we know what we did wrong, we know what we did well. We’re just looking to correct that.”

While the players can look past what happened last season, that doesn’t mean they can’t use it as a learning tool to get better and help them out this season.

“It fuels us,” Hudson said. “We know what happened last year, we know what we did that we messed up on and what we’re gonna do this year to fix the problems. The score last year is what it is, can’t nothing change it. All you can do is focus on this year’s game. We control our own destiny, how the game will go.”

While revenge might not be the main point of this year’s game between the team, Brown and his players will be looking to dish up a huge upset to the Buckeyes. Nobody on the team has ever beaten Ohio State, no Wolverine has since 2011 and this year would be a perfect chance for Michigan to send a surprise to the Buckeyes.

What better way to avenge a 62-39 loss from last season, then to give Ohio State their first loss this season, big or small, and end the eight-year drought that has been felt in Schembechler Hall

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]