Thayer Munford Jr. Faces College Rival on Monday Night

The Las Vegas Raiders are continuing their preparations against the Detroit Lions for their week 8 Monday Night Football matchup in Ford Field.

This Monday night will feature a classic Big 10 rival as the former Ohio State Buckeye Thayer Munford Jr. gets to go head-to-head with former Michigan Wolverine and current Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

The two haven't gone head to head since November of the 2021 College football season, where the Wolverines went on to win 42-27 over the Buckeyes. Hutchinson led the way with three sacks which ultimately sealed Michigan a spot in the College Football Playoff at the time.

Muford Jr. had the opportunity to share with the media the rivalry that had been made between him and Hutchinson.

"Our last year at Michigan and Ohio State, it was a real one," Munford reflected. "He came out on top for his last game, I didn't. At the same time, I know how he plays and he knows how I play, too. I feel it's a good rivalry. He's a good player. ... We're all good players. At the same time, it's all love at the end of the day."

The second-year offensive lineman has had an impact so far this season. In his rookie season, he finished the season only starting four games during the 2022-23 NFL season mostly filling in because of injuries.

According to Pro Football Focus Munford Jr. has a 75.1 overall PFF grade on the season so far.

Raiders offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi had the chance to speak on Munford Jr.

"Every player that I would say makes their way into the Sunday lineup or Sunday rotation, is consistent in practice. And Thayer did a good job of that in the spring and then training camp of playing at a consistent base both in pass protection and in the run game,"

"He's earned that playtime. ... You want to affect others in a positive mindset, that's what a leader does. You can positively affect the unit and get them to play better. I think Thayer does a good job of that, of kind of just getting the offensive line going and bringing good juice and good energy."

This Monday night should be a good one as two formal college rivals get to go head-to-head for the first time in their NFL careers as the Raiders take on the Lions.

The Silver and Black will stay on the road to take on the Detroit Lions on Monday night, Oct. 30, at 8:15 p.m. EDT/5:15 p.m. PDT.