Jake Long on Bowl Game, Freshman Linemen

Injuries have plagued Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long all year. First, a broken leg then an old foot injury, looked to keep him off the field for the year. However, the big man has battled through the adversity, and is ready to for tonight's Alamo Bowl game against Nebraska. He spoke to GoBlueWolverine.com recently about the game.

When Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long went down early in the season with a broken leg, it looked as though his year was finished. However, he returned against Iowa and looked better than expected, helping lead the Wolverines to a 23-20 overtime win.

Then, the week prior to the Ohio State game, an old foot injury flared up and it looked as though his season had ended after all. Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr announced as much in late November. Once again, Long conquered fate and will suit up for the Wolverines in the 2005 Alamo Bowl tonight against Nebraska. "The foot is 100-percent, and I feel great," Long told GoBlueWolverine.com. "I'm so happy that I'll be able to play."

For the first time since the 1995 season, Michigan will not be playing in a New Years Day bowl game. While Long said he is happy to be in San Antonio, it is not what the Wolverines had set out to accomplish in 2005. "We didn't have the season we were looking for," he said. "The goal is always to win the Big Ten Championship. We want to win this game for the seniors, to send them off with a win, and use that to build upon for next year."

Speaking of the future, Long commented on some of the younger players on the offensive line. "All the young guys are doing well," he said. "(David) Moosman is going to be a really good player. He's been running a lot of reps and he's a strong guy and he moves well. (Tim) McAvoy has been playing center and guard, and (Jeremy) Cuilla has been playing guard and they're doing really well."

The big man said the team is enjoying its stay in San Antonio, particularly the weather, which has been in the 70's — a far cry from winter in Ann Arbor. However, they know what they are here to do. "We're going up against a great team and know it's going to be tough," he said. "But we're ready, and we'll be looking for the win."