Michigan RB Jordan Marshall ready for 'legacy' game vs. Ohio State: 'I wouldn't miss it for the world'

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday at the Big House and will have sophomore running back Jordan Marshall on the field, he confirmed Tuesday night.

“A hundred percent. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he told the Michigan media.

Marshall, who has rushed for 871 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, suffered a shoulder injury late in the 24-22 win over Northwestern at Wrigley Field two weeks ago and could have gone last week at Maryland, but was held out for precautionary measures. The refresh now gives him a chance to lead a Michigan backfield that has played a starring role in its four straight wins over the Buckeyes.

“I’m just excited,” Marshall said. “It’s a great opportunity for our team, for our coaches, for this university. Again, you only get so many opportunities to play in ones like this and the best rivalry in sports. So, taking it day by day, getting better every single day for Saturday and just taking it one day at a time.”

The former top-100 recruit out of the state of Ohio – who, yes, was heavily recruited by the Buckeyes – has an opportunity to put a stamp on the guys from south of the border to make their names known for Michigan. That is a history and legacy he is well aware of.

“[Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson], they all made big plays,” Marshall said. “And for me, it’s how do I put myself 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. This is a game to put my team within the legacy. It’s how I prepare every single day to help my team and prepare my team and even myself to become part of that legacy. Making sure that I have everything that I can do prepared for Saturday.”

Marshall has been described as a Midwest-type of running hack throughout his career, and Saturday could make for another picturesque day in Ann Arbor, headlined by the cold and snow that may echo 2021’s edition of The Game. He is looking forward to the opportunityt.

“I like to hit people, so hot, snow, whatever the weather is, that’s what I’m going to do,” Marshall said. “And again, I’m excited to play in the snow game. I haven’t played in a snow game since I was probably in elementary school. But 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.

“And again, 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 is this opportunity.”

Earlier in the evening, graduate captain and fullback Max Bredeson – in a walking boot and with a scooter – told the media he was going to do everything he could go to on Saturday. That has fired up the team and Marshall, in particular. He wants to make a sure a group of guys who have never lost to Ohio State keep that intact

“You guys have been interviewing Breddy for a lot longer than I’ve known him, but I think you guys know that he would do anything for the team,” Marshall said. “He loves this team. He’s a captain of this team for a reason. For me, it’s how do I make sure Breddy’s never lost to Ohio State? How do I keep that up? [Giovanni El-Hadi, Marlin Klein, Rayshaun Benny], how do I make sure those guys never have that feeling of losing? It’s preparing every single day to put them in the best place. Because again, I love those guys, and I would sacrifice anything for them.”

Marshall, a former OSU target and Mr. Football in the state of Ohio, was blunt about why he chose the Wolverines over the Buckeyes as a high school recruit. Running backs coach Tony Alford, a former Ryan Day and Urban Meyer assistant, was a major factor.

“I really liked Tony Alford,” Marshall said. “He would probably be one of the reasons that I went there. I didn’t like a few other people. And that’s truly why I didn’t pick there. And I think Coach Alford would tell you the same. He came here and he sees the best head coach in the Big Ten and in college football and how he carries himself and how he puts himself over the team, and it’s all about culture. And that’s what I wanted to be around. I didn’t want to be around people that were about themselves. And I truly just believe that’s why Coach Alford came here too, is he knew that he wanted to be around better people.”

Michigan is aware of the stakes that come with Saturday’s game. A win likely puts it into the College Football Playoff, but that is not the team’s ‘why’ this weekend. It is about themselves and doing everything they can to position themselves for a win over the Buckeyes.

“There’s a lot that could be on the line for us,” Marshall said. “I think we’re so focused on just us — just this game — and when we take care of business, everything else will sort itself out. God has a plan for us, and we’re going to go out there on Saturday, prepare like it’s our last game, and give everything we got. That’s what Michigan wants us to do. That’s what our coaches want us to do. And we’re gonna do that for the state of Michigan — go out there like this is our last one, and play our hearts out, play with everything we got for 60 minutes, and dominate.”

Michigan and Ohio State kick off just after 12 p.m. ET on FOX as part of its Big Noon Saturday coverage.