Will Johnson and Colston Loveland trending in the right direction to play for Michigan football vs. Ohio State

It's been a struggle for Michigan football this season, in a lot of ways, and one of them has been dealing with injuries to key players.

Injuries happen. They are part of the game and for the most part, Michigan football was very fortunate during its championship run to avoid them.

But Will Johnson has missed has five missed games this season and parts of others. Colston Loveland has missed one entire game and also big chunks of at least two others.

Loveland missed the second half against Northwestern but on Monday, Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore said that he was "trending in the right direction" to play. Moore also said the same about Johnson who still is tied for the team lead with two interceptions. The former five-star cornerback also had an interception last season against Ohio State which was vital.

The defense has been improving, even with Johnson on the sideline, so it would be fun to see what they could do with him at cornerback to cover a guy like Jeremiah Smith.

Those are the matchups that could doom Michigan football. The defensive line should have a solid game, which gives me hope. The offense will need to score some points though. Even if Michigan is somehow able to hold Ohio State under 20, it's hard to see the offense scoring over 20 points.

Maybe if the defense can force a turnover or two. Maybe, Michigan has been saving a trick play but we'll see what "The Game" brings. Yet, if Loveland is there, the pass offense should be much better and it would be nice to have all hands on deck.