The Wolverines always have been known for defense. But any time a player draws comparisons to former Michigan great Charles Woodson, ears perk up a little more than usual.
Woodson, who plays for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, was easily considered the best defensive player in all the land during his days in maize and blue. In 1997, Woodson’s last year in Ann Arbor, U-M captured its 11th national title and the junior took home the Heisman Trophy.
The No. 15 Wolverines (6-2 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) don’t have a shot at a national title this year, but sophomore cornerback Marlin Jackson has drawn many comparisons to Woodson.
And come Saturday, everyone can expect to see plenty of Jackson lining up across from junior wide receiver Charles Rogers.
Rogers is considered by many to be the best receiver in the nation. Jackson agrees, calling Rogers “the total package.”
But the sophomore isn’t afraid to match up with Rogers in man-to-man coverage.
“I love to get up in a receiver’s face and battle,” Jackson said. “But whatever the coach says, I’ll do.”
The 6-foot-1, 182-pounder is tied for third place in the Big Ten and 45th in the nation with three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Some may argue that those numbers are far from Woodson’s eight interceptions in 1997. But keep in mind, Woodson only had five interceptions his sophomore season.
“I’ll see firsthand if he’s the next Charles Woodson or not,” Rogers said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge that he brings.”
And both should get plenty of chances to make plays in front of the 100,000-plus in the Big House. The Wolverines rank eighth in the conference in pass defense at 253.1 yards per game, and with Rogers being the Spartans’ go-to guy, fans should see plenty of action.
“It’s going to be a good matchup,” MSU head coach Bobby Williams said. “This guy is probably the best corner in the conference and one of the best in the country. I’m pretty sure they’re going to match him up against Charles.”
Williams said the Wolverines’ front seven on defense are tremendously talented. He said the group tends to be very aggressive, which leaves the secondary matched up in a lot of man-to-man coverage.
That could prove dangerous with Rogers on the field.
That aggressiveness is why Michigan ranks third in the Big Ten and 26th nationally against the run at 112.1 yards per game. But considering the Spartans struggled to run the ball all season, the Wolverines may be able to drop an extra linebacker into coverage.
Regardless of whether Rogers or Jackson win their personal battle, one thing is certain: They’ll both be doing a lot of talking.
“It should be a fun time,” Jackson said. “We both like to talk it up, that’s for sure.”
But don’t be misled, the trash talking is nothing personal.
“When you have two guys who like to compete, like me and No. 3, I think you’re going to have a little talking,” Rogers said. “But that’s just part of the game. It’s all about respect.”
