Michigan offensive lineman, Zak Zinter, leaves game vs. Ohio State

Rivalry games are full of emotional highs and lows. We saw a huge swing in the third quarter between Michigan and Ohio State. Michigan’s star right guard, Zak Zinter, went out with a scary leg injury and had to be carted off, but Blake Corum ran for a touchdown on the very next play.

Zinter, the senior offensive lineman, has been a part of Michigan’s back-to-back Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in 2021 and 2022 and is a two-time All-Big Ten selection. He is a finalist for the William V. Campbell Award or the “Academic Heisman.”

All of Zinter’s teammates came out onto the field to show their support while Zinter was being carted off. Then, following Corum’s touchdown, he celebrated by flashing the numbers six and five to the camera for Zinter, No. 65.

J.J. McCarthy has shown support for his offensive line all season long and even had the awareness to support Zinter’s family amidst the biggest game of the year.

It’s obvious that Zinter means a lot to his teammates, but he also means a lot to the Michigan fans in attendance, which is rare for an offensive lineman. He received a loud ovation from the crowd and chants of “let’s go Zak.”

Zinter could have left for the NFL after three seasons as a starter on Michigan’s offensive line, but returned for 2023 to try and win a national championship. The Wolverines lead Michigan 27-17 with 11:57 left in the fourth quarter, so they may get there, but it will have to be with Zinter.