Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers: Ohio State “kicked our ass” in 2015

With the 2016 college football season quickly approaching, old rivalries begin to liven up. Fans of the teams on the losing end the previous season tend to have a short memory; only to be quickly reminded by those on the victorious side. That dynamic tends to also follow for the coaches and players of those teams with a notable exception early in 2016: the Michigan Wolverines.

Some of the media at Michigan’s first press conference decided to begin the 2016 season by asking about 2015. Linebacker Jabrill Peppers – the Wolverines best player and arguably one of the best defensive players in the country – was asked about the 2015 Ohio State versus Michigan game. A game the Buckeyes dominated the Wolverines in the Big House, 42-13. Whether or not the reporter was baiting him with the question, star-safety Peppers decided to be straight, honest, and succinct according to Detroit Free Press’ Mark Snyder.

Peppers asked about MSU/OSU: OSU kicked our ass

— Mark Snyder (@Mark__Snyder) August 7, 2016

In the abbreviated response, Peppers explained the current state of the rivalry between the two teams, and the stomping that Ohio State has put on Michigan in recent memory. Since 2001, the scarlet and gray have made it look easy against the maize¹ and blue, beating them in 12 of the last 14 meetings in The Game. Whether it’s the coaching, the talent, or Ohio State being in Michigan’s heads, the Bucks have treated Michigan like an also-ran including winning the last four matchups.

In 2016, the Wolverines might actually have a shot at beating Ohio State (maybe). From defensive star Peppers to possessing a legitimate head coach in Jim Harbaugh, Michigan is expected to be one of the Top 10 teams in the country, so there is hope they have the ability to compete against their biggest rival in The Game.

And, Peppers is expected to do-it-all for his team. He’s not only a linebacker and safety, but he has returned kicks and punts. He even has lined up in the backfield and out wide for Michigan’s offense.

So, the Ohio State squad and Michigan are looking forward to a 2016 season that might see them meet as undefeated Top 5 teams in November. Hopefully, the Michigan media can catch up and join the rest of us in 2016. We’ll leave the 2015 game for when Michigan fans need to be put back in their place.

1. or as Nike calls it, amarillo [↩]