Jordan Marshall driven to leave lasting legacy as Michigan’s next great Ohio player

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Jordan Marshall driven to leave lasting legacy as Michigan’s next great Ohio player

Michigan running back Bryson Kuzdzal on Ohio State rivalry

Bryson Kuzdzal says “you hear it (rivalry) all year, it’s in the back of your mind every workout.”

Ann Arbor – Michigan running back Jordan Marshall certainly is aware of the Ohio-born players who distinguished themselves during their careers with the Wolverines and how the Michigan-Ohio State game became a focal point on more than one level for them.

The program’s last two Heisman Trophy winners were from Ohio – Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson – and there have been so many others who traveled north to play for the Wolverines, like Dan Dierdorf and John Kolesar, Jake Butt and Chris Wormley, to name a few.

When No. 15 Michigan (9-2, 7-1) plays No. 1 and unbeaten Ohio State on Saturday at Michigan Stadium in the regular-season finale, this will be Marshall’s opportunity to shine in what many consider the greatest rivalry in college football. Marshall, who grew up in Cincinnati and played for Moeller, like Woodson earned the prestigious Ohio Mr. Football award.

“Dez, you got Woodson, they all made big plays,” Marshall said of the Heisman Trophy winners standing out in the Michigan-Ohio State game. “And for me, it’s how do I put myself in that in that mode, or that spot, to be with those great players?

“All week, what’s popped into my head since Sunday is: legacy. This is a game to stamp my legacy. For me it’s, how am I preparing every single day to help my team and prepare my team to become part of that legacy?”

Marshall did not play last week at Maryland, although he could have, and rested his body after injuring his right shoulder two weeks ago against Northwestern. He has taken over the workload with Justice Haynes out and has 871 yards on 143 carries – he’s lost only four yards this season – and has averaged 6.2 yards a carry with 10 touchdowns. Marshall has also caught eight passes for 82 yards.

The Wolverines have rushed for more than 200 yards in each of the last four games, but the Buckeyes are No. 2 nationally against the run, yielding an average 81.4 yards a game. Since allowing Texas 166 rushing yards in the opener, the Buckeyes have held every opponent under 100 yards rushing. But the Buckeyes have not faced particularly strong run games. Last week at Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights gained 68 yards rushing against Ohio State, and two weeks ago, UCLA had 66.

The run game is always important in the Michigan-Ohio State game, and this year will be no different. In Michigan’s 13-10 upset at Ohio State last season, the Wolverines had the rushing advantage, 172-77. And with the forecast of snow on Saturday in Ann Arbor, the run game could take on a greater importance. Having a back who runs hard in November, late in the season, is always a plus, and that’s right in Marshall’s wheelhouse.

“You’d like to say every Michigan back’s a November back – I like that term – but especially with the way (Marshall) plays, yeah, it’s great,” said Max Bredeson, a fullback/tight end and a two-time captain at Michigan. “Downhill thumper mentality, definitely a boost.”

Marshall, a redshirt freshman, had a 3-yard carry and returned kickoffs at Ohio State last season. Now, the 5-foot-11, 216-pounder is ready to play what he hopes is a significant role in The Game.

“It’s humbling,” Marshall said. “All the greats play in this game, on both sides of the ball. They have great players, we have great players. It’s just humbling to be able to play in this game. It usually comes down to our (running backs) room and how we prepare and perform, and that’s without the ball and with the ball. For me, it’s just how I put myself in position to help this team win every single snap. I’m beyond humble and excited to go out there, go against the state where I’m from and give those boys work.”

Michigan’s offense starts with freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, but against Ohio State and with the likelihood of snow, the key for the Wolverines on Saturday will be its offensive line and rushing attack. Marshall said any game, any time of the season is perfect for him, but a stage like this one suits him.

“I like to hit people, hot, snow, whatever the weather is, that’s what I’m going to do,” Marshall said. “I’m excited to play in a snow game. “I haven’t played in a snow game since I was probably in grade school. Just the opportunity; where would you rather be on this Saturday? You get to play in the Big House, 30 degrees, some snow, against one of the best teams in college football, against another powerhouse school, best team in college football.

“Just all the work that I put in to be in this position and be able to go run the ball and play against Ohio State, that’s what I’m excited for. Again, this opportunity, a lot of people don’t get it, and you get to play in the best rivalry in sports.”

achengelis@detroitnews.com