The Steelers will be missing several key players including T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig due to injuries in their Week 16 game against the Lions, leading to opportunities for rookies like Jack Sawyer and Jeremiah Moon to step up, with Sawyer receiving praise for his readiness and growth.
A Pittsburgh Steelers rookie, Jack Sawyer, received a Madden NFL 26 rating of 72, matching the overall grade of the No. 1 draft pick, Cam Ward, highlighting his perceived value despite being a fourth-round pick. The rating suggests Sawyer is viewed as a promising player, and early training camp signs indicate he may contribute early in his NFL career.
Ohio State's Jack Sawyer, once confident that his 2021 recruiting class would dominate the decade, faces a harsh reality as the Buckeyes have lost four consecutive games to Michigan, with no Big Ten or National Championships since his arrival. This contrasts sharply with Michigan's recent success, including a 2023 National Championship, leaving Sawyer emotional after a recent 13-10 loss.
Ohio State players, including quarterback Will Howard and defensive end Jack Sawyer, are intensely focused on their upcoming rivalry game against Michigan, emphasizing the deep significance of "The Game" regardless of the teams' records. Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, quickly embraced the rivalry's intensity and is determined to win for his teammates and coach Ryan Day, who has faced criticism after recent losses to Michigan. Sawyer, a local Ohio native, also expressed his desire to end his college career with a victory over Michigan, highlighting the personal and team pride involved.
Ohio State dominated Northwestern at Wrigley Field, with Buckeye fans making up the majority of the crowd. Ohio State won 31-7, with standout performances from Jack Sawyer, who had a career-high seven tackles and a forced fumble, and freshman Jeremiah Smith, who set a record with his third 100-yard receiving game of the season. The game marked the fourth football match at Wrigley Field since 1970, all featuring Northwestern, who remains winless in these contests.