Aidan Hutchinson on The Game: 'I really think we are ready for this'
Michigan football fourth-year pass rusher and captain Aidan Hutchinson gets one last crack at the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday. All of Michigan’s efforts since January come to a head in 2021’s version of The Game.
Hutchinson spoke to the media on Tuesday night and feels confident about the game plan put together by Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan staff.
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“They watched the tape and they’ve put a really good game plan together that we got yesterday,” Hutchinson said. “We’ll go out there and see if we can execute it.”
Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is tasked with slowing down one of the best offenses in college football. Hutchinson believes that enough adjustments can be made as long as the Wolverines execute it.
“He’s so great at it,” he said. “The way we adjust every week, and even in-game, at halftime, it’s really great. It’s what makes him so elite as a coach. We have a great game plan this week and just have to go out and execute.”
Saturday will be Hutchinson’s final game in Ann Arbor. That has not sunk in quite yet, but he hopes to pay it off with an elusive Michigan victory over the Buckeyes.
“I think about it, but I can’t really believe that this is the beginning of the end. It’s crazy to think about and something I won’t understand or grasp since next week or after the game.”
“This is why I came back, for this team and to beat Ohio State. This has been a focus of ours since January and it’s crazy to think now we’re in week 12 and about to play them. If we win we’re going to the Big Ten Championship. If not, see you later. There’s a lot riding on it but guys in our locker room, we’re all bought in and ready to go.
“A lot of teams play them scared and play them fearful. Looking back at some of the teams they’ve played. A lot of the guys understand and know that we’re going to give everything we got and sell out because this is the last time we’ll be in the Big House this year. I don’t think you’ll be seeing any scared or fearful play from us on Saturday.”
Michigan has positioned itself to make its first appearance in the Big Ten Championship game under Harbaugh. Hutchinson played a huge role in that as a player-driving force behind a culture change in the building. Regardless of result Saturday, he is proud of that.
“We definitely made a lot of improvements to our culture,” Hutchinson said. “Just the way you’ve seen us play against adversity and all that stuff. We really have each other’s back and that’s a testament to our culture and the work we put in. Obviously, you want to win these next couple of games, but if we go out there and lose that game it doesn’t mean we have a bad culture. Games are games.”
Saturday is no normal game. It is The Game, and one Michigan has to find a way to win to achieve its goals. Hutchinson will not guarantee a victory, but he sees a group that is as ready as it possibly can be.
“On Saturday it’s going to be a matter of execution and playing emotionless football,” he said. “Obviously, we’re still juiced up. Just can’t get caught up in the moment of how big this game is. I have a feeling we’re not. I can’t guarantee anything, but this team is in a good headspace right now. Just seeing the vibe, you can feel a vibe as you go throughout the week. I really think we are ready for this. I can’t guarantee anything, but I’m really confident.”
Michigan football’s game against Ohio State kicks off at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast via FOX.
