'Don't like them' – Oregon Ducks star player has no love lost for Michigan before Big Ten meeting
Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon has been having a breakout season with the Ducks. The Michigan State transfer has been a key to what the Ducks do up front, playing great defense against the run while also leading the team in quarterback pressures. Previously playing for Michigan State, Harmon is well familiar with this week's […]
Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon has been having a breakout season with the Ducks. The Michigan State transfer has been a key to what the Ducks do up front, playing great defense against the run while also leading the team in quarterback pressures.
Previously playing for Michigan State, Harmon is well familiar with this week's opponent, the Michigan Wolverines, and he doesn't exactly hold much affection for them.
"Don't like them," Harmon said following Tuesday's practice. "I'm going to leave it there. Don't like them."
His one game at The Big House was not a crowning achievement. In 2022, when Michigan State made the short trip to Michigan, the Wolverines won easily, 29-7. Harmon's performance in that game was nothing to write home about, failing to record a tackle.
Harmon's Spartans were over-matched. Michigan was the No. 4 team in the country during that matchup, relying on a talented core of J.J. McCarthy at quarterback and Blake Corum at running back, to go along with a stout defense.
In this meeting, Harmon will be looking to write a new story. Michigan has not looked nearly as dominant this season as they have in the past, but they're still a physical and disciplined team that has the potential to be a tough matchup. Harmon, who has 32 pressures, 3 sacks, and 3 QB hits, will need to stand tall in the run game against a team that wants to rely on their ability to move the ball on the ground. If Harmon and the rest of the defensive line can control the line of scrimmage, it will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the game.
Oregon Ducks get a massive update from head coach Dan Lanning about potential return of defensive star
This would be a massive boost.
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