According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, star defenseman Will Johnson is expected to miss tonight’s game against Michigan State. Johnson exited last week against Illinois after a one-game series. Johnson has been somewhat plagued by injuries since arriving in Ann Arbor and has missed several games due to injury.

Without Johnson, the Wolverines won’t have an easy task on Saturday. As fans saw last week against Illinois, veteran Aamir Hall stepped in and played well, but the secondary took several penalties without Johnson in the play that extended drives. When the Spartans took the field against Michigan, Aidan Chiles formed a great connection with freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh that was electrifying.

Now either Jyaire Hill or Hall will be tasked with defending the sensational rookie. The Wolverines enter the game as four-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook, but depending on what Michigan’s injury report looks like, some money could flow to Michigan State.

In six games, both off- and on-play, Johnson has recorded 14 tackles, five pass deflections, two interceptions and two defensive scores for the Wolverines.

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