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Despite four losses to Ohio State, Jim Harbaugh ’embraces’ challenge to beat Buckeyes
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Jim Harbaugh isn’t oblivious to the stat. Anytime the Michigan head coach stands in front of a microphone, he’s asked about his 0-4 record against Ohio State.
Some coaches might try to bypass the questions, and others might get frustrated by the constant badgering. At this point in his career, though, Harbaugh understands it’s a statistic that can no longer be ignored.
Instead of scoffing at the bagel on the board when it comes to wins against Ohio State, Harbaugh is still embracing the challenge.
“It’s okay, we bring it up a lot. We embrace it,” Harbaugh told The Michigan Insider.
“Those are the things that we’re focused on. How we came up short. I could go through a lot of positives, but we just don’t do that, that’s not what we do…We take it for accountability then we strive to win our goals. That gets us started, then we focus on the positive stuff to achieve our goals.”
Expectations in Ann Arbor are as high as they’ve ever been since Harbaugh’s arrival in 2015. With Shea Patterson under center, a plethora of weapons in the passing game, a strong defensive presence and Josh Gattis running the show, there’s a real belief the Wolverines can clear those final obstacles.
Those, of course, are beating Ohio State, winning a B1G title and reaching the College Football Playoff.
Michigan has an excellent opportunity to do all of those things. Entering the year, they’ll be favored in every game (per Vegas right now) and are ranked No. 7 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll.
If it doesn’t happen this year, Harbaugh’s going to have to think a lot harder about his approach to the Buckeyes.
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