Michigan Wolverines get horrible news ahead of huge new Big Ten rivalry game against Oregon Ducks
Michigan Wolverines found a way to win against Michigan State last week without star cornerback Will Johnson on the field. Thanks to their creative play-calling and some newfound continuity in quarterback play, Michigan's season outlook was starting to look up this week. Unfortunately, it looks now like they're going to have to face a much […]
Michigan Wolverines found a way to win against Michigan State last week without star cornerback Will Johnson on the field. Thanks to their creative play-calling and some newfound continuity in quarterback play, Michigan's season outlook was starting to look up this week. Unfortunately, it looks now like they're going to have to face a much more difficult opponent in the Oregon Ducks without Johnson again.
It was reported by multiple sources later on Friday that Will Johnson would miss his second straight game since suffering an injury against Illinois. Pete Thamel of ESPN's sources confirmed this to be true.
Now that Johnson has missed two weeks in a row, and only three potential regular season games remain, Michigan fans might need to prepare themselves for the worst. Johnson is already slated to be a first round pick next spring. Will he risk further injury by pushing himself to return? Or will he just simply opt out of the remainder of the season? If he does, that could mean trouble for Michigan's chances at winning many (or any) of their remaining games.
Regardless, Michigan is in for a much tougher time this weekend against Oregon. Last weekend the Wolverines played just three cornerbacks the entire game: Jyaire Hill, Aamir Hall, and Zeke Berry. That trio has already played suspect defense all year long, but the depth behind them is clearly lacking too. Michigan might have no choice but to play them nearly every snap again.
Both Hall and Berry have allowed a collective passer rating near perfection in coverage and six total touchdowns between them. Even against Michigan State, Hall allowed a perfect passer rating. Oregon's dynamic wide receiver duo of Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart should unfortunately see plenty of success against Hall on the outside and Berry in the slot. Jyaire Hill might hold his own as he's done at times this year, but Michigan and head coach Sherrone Moore may have to hide their cornerback play all game long.
How do they do that? It won't be easy, but Michigan has done a good job dropping seven into coverage, forcing pressure rushing just four when they need to. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josaiah Stewart, and Derrick Moore will all need to have huge days along the defensive front to keep it close.
Hopefully Will Johnson returns to action soon as opposed to sitting out for the year. Otherwise Michigan might find it difficult to hold up against Ohio State and Indiana in the coming weeks.
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