Michigan Football: 5 Biggest Players from the Wolverines' Win over OSU

Michigan Football: 5 Biggest Players from the Wolverines’ Win over OSU

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 26: Running Back Donovan Edwards #7 (R) and Quarterback J.J. McCarthy #9 (L) of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 45-23 over the Ohio State Buckeyes and clinched the Big Ten East. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Nov 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Julian Fleming (4) makes the catch as Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) defends during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Will Johnson

As Gus Johnson pointed out a number of times, Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best wide receiver in college football. For a good chunk of the game, Michigan had Will Johnson matched up against him.

His 6’3” height made him a better physical matchup than DJ Turner. However, Johnson is a true freshman, and really only started taking big-time snaps this month. Johnson rose to the challenge though.

Outside of Harrison Jr.’s 42-yard touchdown reception, which featured Gemon Green in coverage with no safety help, he was largely held in check. He got his receptions, but that was inevitable. To go with Johnson’s eight tackles on the day, good for second most on the team, he played a huge role in keeping the Buckeye passing attack from exploding.

Words cannot describe what the implications of this are going forward for Michigan. For Michigan to compete at the highest level, they need to have lockdown corners.

Will Johnson is looking like he could become one of those guys. The former five-star has been incredible as a freshman and only looks to go up from here.

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