Unruly fans motivate Winovich

11/22/2017

Michigan's Chase Winovich cheers as the defense takes the field for the first quarter against Cincinnati.

The Blade/Katie Rausch
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ANN ARBOR — Chase Winovich grew up an Ohio State fan.

Those allegiances changed when he committed to Michigan. And after last season’s game, Winovich has gone a full 180 on his feelings toward the Buckeyes.

As Winovich walked off the field after Ohio State won in double overtime, one fan gave him double birds and another hit him in the sternum.

“It just really bugged me,” the junior defensive end said. “What really got me, personally, was the storming of the field — the fan that shot the double bird at me and the other fan that tried to take me out. It’s crazy.”

Winovich, who called the fan “roly poly” said it’s motivated him and his teammates, and they’re prepared to win the game by all means necessary. The win, Winovich said, would be even sweeter because Michigan would be able to play spoiler.

Ironic because the first Ohio State-Michigan game Winovich ever attended it was the opposite: the Buckeyes ruined the Wolverines’ season. And Winovich was in scarlet and gray.

“Now I’m playing for Michigan starting,” he said. “Now I have to win a football game against them.”

Contact Kyle Rowland at krowland@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @KyleRowland.