Jabbar Muhammad Previews Ohio State
Among the Oregon Football players available to media Tuesday was senior cornerback Jabbar Muhammad who’s been Oregon’s undisputed No. 1 option at the position all year. In his interview, Muhammad recapped the Michigan State matchup and detailed what he anticipates from Ohio State on Saturday.
Below are the most interesting questions and quotes from Muhammad’s interview as well as my thoughts at the end.
On a deep shot surrendered against Michigan State:
“There was definitely some miscommunication there that we got cleaned up but we got it cleaned up so I’m looking forward to next week.”
On this week’s matchup against Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith:
“They’re all explosive. They all make 50/50 balls look more their way than others. They’re good at the catch point as well as in their routes so we’ll have to be on our Ps and Qs and go in there and compete.”
On what Emeka Egbuka brings to the table:
“He’s a crafty guy in the slot. Sure-handed guy and a veteran, leader of the room so he’s also a very good player.”
On the challenges quarterback Will Howard presents:
“He can run. He can throw the deep ball pretty well and he just runs that offense really well. He looks comfortable and nothing seems to faze him so we have to get after him a little bit.”
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On dealing with pressure and expectations in this big a game:
“Just taking it day by day. Being where our feet are right now. We know that it’s going to be an unreal atmosphere come Saturday.”
On the value Nikko Reed and Dontae Manning have brought:
“Just their confidence, they come in every day ready to compete and play. They’re also really smart players and they’re vets as well so they’ve seen a lot of football.”
Linden’s take:
It’s been my impression throughout the week that as much as Oregon’s entire program wants to take every game as its own, equally important battle, this one just means that much more. Muhammad referenced the obvious increased weight this matchup bears and there’s really no mistaking it.
He’ll be arguably the most tested player on the Ducks’ roster Saturday going against Ohio State’s juggernaut of a receiving room and his play will be paramount in deciding the outcome of this game. In spots like these, it’s good to have a player who’s seen it all.
