One of the all-time great running backs in U-M history

 

One of the all-time great running backs in U-M history,

he’s yet to have a signature moment against Ohio State. There wasn’t a game due to COVID-19 in 2020 and as a sophomore in 2021, he was the understudy to Hassan Haskins. In that game Corum had just six carries, but for 87 yards.

Last year, Corum was on a Heisman Trophy-potential trajectory, then suffered a torn meniscus the week before U-M’s trip to Ohio State. He suited up and ran twice, but ultimately left the game. His season was over.

Now, not only is it his final time to make his stamp in the rivalry; it’s his last time playing in Ann Arbor.

“When I woke up this morning I was like … ‘man, I finally get to play in ‘The Game’ healthy,” Corum said. “It’s not only my first time being fully healthy (vs. OSU), but it’s going to be my last time in the Big House, playing in front of the best fan base with my brothers and my coaches. So I’m super excited, to say the least.”

Corum, like the entire offense, will have his hands full with Jim Knowles’ defense. It ranks No. 19 in the nation against the run overall (108.5 yards per game) and on a per carry basis (3.32 yards per attempt); led by defensive end JT Tuilamoa and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, the mainstays of a vastly improved front seven.

Last year, Michigan was able to hit on a number of big plays scoring five touchdowns of 45 yards or more; the most such scores in a single game by U-M in the history of the rivalry. Cornelius Johnson had touchdown catches of 69 and 75 yards in the first half, Colston Loveland hauled in a 45-yarder in the third quarter, then Donovan Edwards sealed the deal with two back-breaking scores of 75 and then 85 yards.