Michigan's Corum to attempt to play, sources say

Michigan star tailback Blake Corum, with an air of ambiguity hanging over his potential effectiveness because of a knee injury, started against rival Ohio State on Saturday but did not return after the Wolverines’ first offensive series.

He had two carries for 6 yards on Michigan’s first series Saturday before hobbling off. He didn’t return in the Wolverines’ 45-23 victory.

Corum, one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy, injured his left knee late in the first half of last week’s game against Illinois. He returned in the second half for only two plays, and coach Jim Harbaugh said Corum’s knee was “structurally good” following the comeback win vs. the Illini.

Corum, who entered the game tied No. 1 nationally in touchdowns scored (19) and No. 4 in rushing yards (1,457), wasn’t expected to be 100% against the No. 2 Buckeyes.

Here’s a closer look at Corum’s knee brace. It appears that it will impact him today. Very bulky. pic.twitter.com/1PHbCGFlt1

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 26, 2022

During warm-ups, the Michigan staff closely monitored Corum, who was wearing a bulky brace on the left knee, prior to making the decision for him to play.

Last season, Michigan dominated the line of scrimmage against Ohio State in a 42-27 mashing. That included the Wolverines rushing for 297 yards and 7.2 yards per carry. Corum carried the ball six times for 87 yards in that game.

This year, Michigan boasted the country’s No. 4 rushing offense entering Saturday’s game, running for 243.8 yards per game.

Michigan backup tailback Donovan Edwards also returned vs. the Buckeyes after missing time with a hand injury. The dynamic sophomore missed the Illinois game last week and a majority of the Nebraska game the weekend before, when he was limited to two carries because of the injury.

He finished with 216 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 22 attempts against the Buckeyes.