Star linebacker Will Johnson is ‘expected to miss’ tonight’s game against Michigan State, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Johnson left last week after a series shutout against Illinois. Johnson has missed several games due to injury since arriving in Ann Arbor.

The Wolverines won’t have it easy without Johnson on Saturday. As fans saw last week against Illinois, veteran Aamir Hall stepped in and played well, but the secondary without Johnson had several penalties that extended drives. When the Spartans took the field against Michigan, Aidan Chiles made a great connection with freshman electric Nick Marsh.

Now either Jyaire Hill or Hall will be tasked with defending the sensational freshman. The Wolverines enter the game as four-point favorites, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, but some money could go to Michigan State depending on how the injury report looks for Michigan.

Johnson had 14 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions and two defensive scores for the Wolverines in six games, both on and off.

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