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Ryan Day shares big-time praise for defensive front of Michigan
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
The B1G East will be on the line when No. 2 Ohio State heads to No. 5 Michigan in The Game on Saturday. A key factor for the Buckeyes will be finding a way to generate offense in spite of an excellent Michigan defensive line anchored by star senior Aidan Hutchinson.
During his weekly radio show, Ohio State coach Ryan Day offered some lofty praise about Michigan’s defensive front:
Ryan Day calls the Michigan defensive line “by far the best front we’ll see this year.”
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) November 24, 2021
The heralded Hutchinson has amassed 27 solo tackles, 9 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles this season for a Michigan defense that has allowed over 30 points just once. That came in Michigan’s lone loss vs. Michigan State.
Day additionally emphasized the significance of Ohio State creating pressure on defense with its front. That unit will be leaned on to control Michigan’s rushing attack, similar to how the Buckeyes shut down Kenneth Walker III during the blowout of MSU:
Ryan Day on the importance of Ohio State’s defensive line playing well this week: “You can tell, when we’re cooking on defense, it all starts with the guys up front. And we’re gonna have to do that again.”
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) November 24, 2021
Haskell Garrett leads Ohio State with 5.5 sacks. The Buckeyes defense allowed over 30 points in only two contests this season.
Both Michigan and Ohio State are 10-1 overall. The Wolverines are coming off a convincing 59-18 victory at Maryland. The Buckeyes most recently trounced then-No. 7 Michigan State 56-7.
Michigan leads the all-time series 58-51-6 but Ohio State is on an 8-game winning streak in the series. The Wolverines’ last victory vs. the Buckeyes came in 2011.
Michigan-Ohio State is slated for Nov. 27 (12 p.m. EST) and will be televised on FOX.
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.