Michigan DT Kenneth Grant knows trench play paramount vs. Ohio State: 'We gotta come out and hit people in the mouth'
The winner of the rushing yard battle is 22-0 in the Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry since 2001. Not only is Michigan’s focus to establish the ground game, but its defense is focused on slowing down the Buckeyes’ rushing attack heading into Saturday’s showdown in Columbus.
Ohio State is averaging 177.6 rushing yards per game, tied for 48th in the nation, gaining 5.2 yards per carry. The Buckeyes are led by a two-headed monster in the backfield in Quinshon Judkins (135 carries for 759 yards and 8 touchdowns) and TreVeyon Henderson (98 rushes for 730 yards and 6 scores).
“That’s how you get to the passing downs,” Michigan junior defensive tackle Kenneth Grant said of stopping the run. “We always say to stop the run first so we can rush the passer on passing downs.’ Whatever we do, it’s always stop the run first.”
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, a Kansas State transfer, has also been involved in the run game. He’s scored rushing 7 touchdowns, all in the red zone, and has totaled 193 yards (3.1 per carry) and 22 first downs not including sacks.
“He’s definitely gonna pull it more,” Grant said of Howard, comparing him to former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord. “He’s a mobile quarterback, a big guy. He’s gonna pull it more down in the red zone and stuff like that. They get an extra guy that’s able to score the ball and do other things with the ball.”
Michigan’s defensive line is taking it upon itself to lead the way Saturday.
“Win the trenches up front,” Grant said of what the Wolverines have to do to win. W”e gotta win the trenches up front, that starts with us first — D-line and O-line, that battle up there. We gotta come out and hit people in the mouth.”
Ohio State has had a lot of moving pieces on its offensive line this season, losing multiple starters due to injury, including center Seth McLaughlin last week (Achilles). Grant has still seen the Buckeyes’ front five play well.
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“They’re a good unit, work together,” Grant said. “There’s no drop-off. It’s Ohio State, so they’re always gonna come ready. We just gotta take it to their face.”
Grant, a 6-foot-3, 339-pounder out of Gary, Ind., logged 3 defensive snaps in Michigan’s last win over Ohio State in Columbus, a 45-23 triumph in 2022. He described what he remembers most about the trip.
“That last trip to Columbus, I remember planting that flag on their ‘O,'” Grant said with a smile. “Seeing their fans walk out and stuff like that, those are probably the most memorable moments.”
The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry takes place on the final Saturday of each November, but it’s more than just one day or game. The Wolverines and Buckeyes live it every day.
“People are bragging about it for a year going, a whole 365,” Grant said. “Either you’re on the winning side or losing side, so you’re gonna have to hear somebody’s mouth. It means a lot, it feeds people’s families. This game, you go against good players, so it’s your time to shine and opportunity to go make good plays.”
