Jim Harbaugh lauds young Michigan standouts in OSU beatdown

On3 imageby:Chris Balas11/29/21

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Michigan had several players rise to the occasion in a 42-27 victory over Ohio State, but one young defender in particular really shined. The Wolverines held the Buckeyes well below their scoring average, and the secondary — corners Vince Gray and D.J. Turner, safeties Brad Hawkins, Dax Hill, R.J. Moten and Rod Moore — were big reasons why.

The big plays quarterback C.J. Stroud and Co. put up all year just weren’t there. While they got their yardage, the Buckeyes were never really in synch offensively.

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Moore, in particular, caught the Michigan coach’s eye on film.

“The intensity that they played with down after down, to get to that intensity … and repeat that down after down after down,” he said of the secondary. “Also, knowing what might have taken place — good or bad — the previous play, to get back to that level of focus and intensity … I thought that was a tremendous job done by DJ Turner, Vince Gray, the entire secondary. Brad Hawkins, Dax [Hill], and the young guys.

“Rod Moore played really, really well. I went back and flicked on the tape. The true freshman Rod Moore had a heck of a game, and also R.J. Moten played extremely well. That level of consistency, focus, down after down, finishing the play, staying in the on top position and making plays and battling [was noticeable].”

So, too, was the Michigan defensive line play. The interior linemen won’t get much credit, but they were difference makers in plugging the middle. OSU tested them in the running game early in the second half in making their adjustments, but the linemen won their battles.

First-year contributor Mike Morris made some plays, including a pass batted down at the line of scrimmage. Jaylen Harrell, too, came up with a huge hit for a two-yard loss on a running play to keep the Michigan defense humming.

Defensive line coach Shaun Nua flipped the switch this spring in asking for more from his group, and they responded. Mazi Smith, who chased down a screen pass, was outstanding again, and Chris Hinton is one of the Wolverines’ most improved players.

“I think we all looked at that at the beginning of the season and said, ‘We’re a little thin there on the interior line,'” Harbaugh said. “But we’re good … we’re good enough. And that position has exceeded expectations.

“Mazi Smith and Chris Hinton have been tremendous, and Jess Speight has been really good. Donovan Jeter’s had his best year. He’s really come into realizing most all of his potential. I think there’s still more. But what he’s done on and off the field has been a huge leap and huge growth. That’s another group where they’ve got a great connection with Shaun Nua. He’s as passionate as any coach. Also, one of the committed that stayed and has done a tremendous job.”

Michigan end Aidan Hutchinson was the star, of course, with his three sacks and 15 pressures. Redshirt sophomore David Ojabo, though, was on his heels. He was another of U-M’s most improved players, coming up with a huge sack and several pressures of his own.

He also drew a holding penalty that brought a touchdown back.

“David Ojabo, in every way, when you talk about growing physically, mentally, spiritually — strong, fast,” Harbaugh said. “The intensity with which he plays on a down-to-down basis can only be matched by Aidan Hutchinson, Hassan Haskins and a guy like Andrew Vastardis and Andrew Stueber. Those guys are at that level of intensity down after down.

“It’s been tremendous to watch his development. I don’t know close he is to reaching his full potential, but he’s still got some man years coming in terms of growing, age, and the mindset is just getting so good, so honed. Just A-plus-plus.”

With the others, he’s setting the table for more success for the defense next year. But there’s still plenty to accomplish this season, starting Saturday when Michigan takes on Iowa in Indianapolis.

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