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Jim Harbaugh admits Michigan prepares for Ohio State all season
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“Of course not.”
Those were the three words Jim Harbaugh responded with when he was asked if Saturday’s game between Michigan and Ohio State was just another game on the schedule. Having played and coached in the fierce rivalry matchup, Harbaugh knows just how significant “The Game” is.
Does that mean that the Wolverines spend a little extra time preparing for the Buckeyes throughout the year?
You bet.
Harbaugh, like most coaches, typically talks about the one-game season. It’s typical coach-speak, saying the only concern is on the team that’s next on the schedule. The head coach has even said he thinks looking ahead “doesn’t seem like a good idea.”
But during his appearance on 97.1 The Ticket’s Jamie and Stoney Show, Harbaugh admitted that Michigan always has Ohio State on its mind, even earlier in the year.
“Yeah, we have things. Quite a few,” Harbaugh said when asked if there is anything his team does to plan for Ohio State throughout the year. “And that’s OK. It’s OK to ask that question because you don’t mind your opponent thinking that — that all things are possible.”
Beating Ohio State is still a box Harbaugh hasn’t checked since arriving in Ann Arbor in 2015. He’s currently 0-3 against the Buckeyes and has been widely criticized for that record.
This year’s game has even more meaning for Michigan. A win over the Buckeyes means Harbaugh claims his first division title and the Wolverines are headed to Indianapolis for a shot at the B1G title.
Harbaugh understands all of that, as well.
“The competitive stakes are higher even.” Harbaugh said. “There’s nothing that will make you feel more like a man than beating another team in their hostile stadium, and if you can throw the elements in there, too, there’s a third thing you can defeat as well.”
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB