Ohio State Seniors Locked in Ahead of Michigan Game

© Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Four Ohio State seniors spoke to the media on Nov. 26 ahead of their matchup with Michigan on Nov. 30. Three of those four are team captains who have each lost to the Wolverines every time they have played them. The No. 2 Buckeyes (10-1, 9-1 Big Ten Conference) are looking to turn the tide this season as they sound and appear to be absolutely dialed in this week. Each of the four players showed a strong, focused desire to earn their first pair of gold pants against Michigan (6-5, 4-4 B1G).

Jack Sawyer, Defensive End

Jack Sawyer is an Ohio native, having grown up in Pickerington near Columbus. He stated that he's desired to play in "The Game" ever since watching the Ohio State double-overtime win in 2016. On Nov. 26, Sawyer echoed head coach Ryan Day's sentiments and approach of treating this week's game like a war. The senior stated how records are thrown out the window for this game as the intensity is brought no matter what the matchup looks like on paper.

"We know we're gonna have to come in there and play our balls off," Sawyer said. "We expect a war. That's what we came here to do, and that's what we hope it is."

The senior captain also pointed to wanting to return this year to get the rivalry win for Day as well. He said, "I think that no one deserves this win more than he does." His allegiance and support of Tyan has never wavered.

Cody Simon, Linebacker

Senior LB Cody Simon received the honor of wearing the "block O" this season for Ohio State. The fairly new tradition gives the honor of wearing the No. 0 to the team's chosen leader. The number is essentially the Ohio State logo. His recent on-field performance has more than lived up to the standard that comes with that honor.

Simon was asked about how often he thinks about Michigan outside of this week. He simply replied, "It's every day." Simon also seemed to share the war-like approach of Sawyer and Day as he wore a camoflague hoodie while speaking to the media. He maintained the calm, focused demeanor that he has kept throughout his entire time with the Buckeyes.

Simon also spoke about the game's physicality and how the Buckeyes are extremely aware of the extra effort every player brings every November. He said they know it will be their most physical game this year and that they need to be ready to attack from the start.

Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver

Emeka Egbuka, like Sawyer, would have been a high NFL Draft pick last year if he chose to leave Ohio State. He, too, pointed to this matchup as a primary reason for his return. Egbuka expressed the same various reasons for returning as others have. He also said that the extra motivation he has for this one is his family, specifically his mother.

"You come to Ohio State to beat the team up North and win a pair of gold pants," he said. "Just handing the gold pants to my mother is a memory that I'm really looking forward to."

He also cited reasons for wanting this one for his family in a postgame interview on Nov. 23. Egbuka pointed to how Michigan fans treated his family as they left the stadium last year after Ohio State's 30-24 loss.

Egbuka has been tremendous this season, especially in big games. He shows up for the Buckeyes when it matters most. He's scored in all three of their top-5 matchups this season. Despite the absence of a number next to Michigan's name, this one will certainly be treated as another high-stakes game in which he is heavily used.

Will Howard, Quarterback

Will Howard is the only player who spoke on Nov. 26 that has not participated in this game. Despite his inexperience around the matchup itself, Howard fully embraced the rivalry from the moment he stepped into Columbus, Ohio. Howard called the game more of a "way of life" than just a simple rivalry.

A first-year Buckeye embracing the rivalry and knowing to lean on his teammates who have experienced all it offers is a great sign for Ohio State. Howard has grown into a clear leader on and off the field this season. His approach to this game is refreshing for Ohio State fans. Some players in recent years have somewhat downplayed the rivalry, citing it as "just another game." Howard has taken the opposite approach and firmly stated his desire to come out on top in what he called "the biggest rivalry game I've ever played in."

Ohio State's Overall Focus

The entire Ohio State team is handling this week as if it is the most important game of their lives. That's based off of their comments on Nov. 26 and following their win over No. 5 Indiana (10-1, 9-1 B1G) on Nov. 23. Players immediately turned their attention to the Michigan game during postgame interviews. Their answers on Nov. 26 only reiterated and asserted how immersed they are as they prepare for "The Game."