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Ohio State’s Teradja Mitchell, Zach Harrison explain how they’ve prepared for Minnesota’s offensive line, RB Mo Ibrahim
By Nick Schultz
Published:
The reigning B1G champions have their work cut out for them in Week 1 — especially against the reigning B1G Running Back of the Year.
Ohio State and Minnesota are set to square off Thursday as both teams open their respective seasons. Minnesota’s offense is led by redshirt senior Mo Ibrahim, who was tabbed as the conference’s top RB in 2020, First Team All-B1G and Third Team AP All-America. The Golden Gophers also return their entire offensive line, giving them one of the most experienced O-lines in the conference.
So how are the Buckeyes gearing up for such a matchup? Simple. By going up against their own talent.
Linebacker Teradja Mitchell said the team has been practicing against redshirt freshman RB Miyan Wililams, a former three-star prospect who rushed for 64 yards on 10 carries last year. He said matching up with Williams has gotten the group ready to face Ibrahim this week.
Teradja Mitchell said going up against Miyan Williams in practice has helped the defense prepared for Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim. They have similar builds, Mitchell said, and the Buckeyes know they can't rely on arm tackles against Ibrahim.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) August 30, 2021
As far as going up against the offensive line, defensive end Zach Harrison said facing Dawand Jones — a 6-foot-8, 380-pound junior — in practice has been good preparation.
Zach Harrison meeting with the media now. He says the size of Minnesota’s offensive line stands out, and going against Dawand Jones in practice helps him prepare for that. pic.twitter.com/7zM2k8wRYv
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) August 30, 2021
It sounds like the Buckeyes are entering Thursday’s game with a lot of confidence.
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.