Johnson makes the most of it

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A fifth-year senior linebacker was supposed to make a big play for the Hawkeyes.

And so one did. Just not the one you thought.

Senior Troy Johnson sealed the No. 15 Hawkeyes' 38-28 victory over Michigan with a fourth-quarter interception, the first of his career. Johnson, making just his third career start, also had 13 tackles and a pass breakup.

"Anyone could've made that play," Johnson said. "I just tried to focus on biting up when the quarterback scrambled. He threw it to where I was at and I made the catch."

It might be back to the bench next week for Johnson. He replaced fifth-year senior Jeff Tarpinian, who missed his second game with a neck/shoulder stinger. Tarpinian didn't dress and might be iffy for this week's mega-matchup against Wisconsin.

Johnson started against Penn State but left the game after suffering a concussion. He had a bye week to shake that off.

"It felt great," Johnson said. "It was a great job of team coverage and the D-line doing a great job of getting to the quarterback. Luckily, I was in the right place to get the ball."