Thayer Munford Jr. Faces College Rival on Monday Night

Las Vegas Raiders Thayer Munford Jr. goes up against an old college rival, Aidan Hutchinson, on Monday Night Football against the Lions.

The Las Vegas Raiders are continuing their preparations before going against the Detroit Lions in their week 8 Monday Night Football game at Ford Field in Detroit.

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

The two haven't gone head to head since November of the 2021 college football season, when the Wolverines claimed a 42-27 victory over the Buckeyes. Hutchinson led the way with three sacks, which ultimately gave Michigan a spot in the College Football Playoffs.

Munford Jr. had the opportunity to share with the media the rivalry  between him and Hutchinson.

Las Vegas Raiders Thayer Munford Jr. goes up against an old college rival Aidan Hutchinson :: © Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

"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 made an impact for the Raiders this season. In his rookie season, he started only four games in 2022-23, mostly filling in because of injuries.

According to Pro Football Focus, Munford Jr. has a 75.1 overall PFF grade this season.

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

"Every player that I would say makes his way into the Sunday lineup or Sunday rotation, is consistent in practice," Lombardi said. "And Thayer did a good job of that in the spring and then training camp of playing on a consistent basis, both in pass protection and in the running game.

"He's earned that playing time. ... 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.

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