Michigan Corner Will Johnson Offers Injury Update Before Big Ten Title Game
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 07: Will Johnson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Wolverines defeated the Golden Gophers 52-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Michigan is awaiting official word on Will Johnson's status for Saturday's Big Ten Championship Game.
The star cornerback left last weekend's monumental victory over Ohio State with a leg injury. Alejandro Zúñiga of The Michigan Insider, Johnson said Tuesday he's feeling better and will try to suit up if he can when the Wolverines play Iowa.
According to The Athletic's Austin Meek, Johnson said he injured his leg in practice before the Ohio State game and aggravated the injury during the contest.
Before getting hurt, Johnson registered his third interception of the season while covering Buckeyes star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The sophomore has 20 tackles this season and a pick-six in Michigan's Week 4 win over Minnesota.
On Tuesday, Johnson was among 14 Michigan players named to the All-Big Ten defensive teams. The Wolverines have allowed an FBS-low 10.3 points per game with the fourth-ranked passing defense.
On paper, Michigan's defense against Iowa's offense is an enormous mismatch. The Hawkeyes are last among 130 FBS programs in total offense and have exceeded 20 points in two nine Big Ten games this season.
Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill has 812 passing yards in seven games since Michigan transfer Cade McNamara suffered a season-ending injury on Sept. 30. Losing Johnson likely wouldn't be a fatal blow for the three-touchdown favorites, so the Wolverines may want to exude caution if he's not close to 100 percent by Saturday.
The Big Ten Championship Game starts at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
