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Jim Harbaugh reacts to PJ Fleck’s high praise of 2023 Michigan team

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

Jim Harbaugh is appreciative of his Michigan team earning high praise from a Big Ten peer.

P.J. Fleck, who has been a head since 2013 at Western Michigan, told media members that the 2023 Michigan team is the best he has ever coached against after the 52-10 blowout.

“They’re as good as advertised,” Fleck said this weekend. “I said this a minute ago on the radio, I think they’re the best football team I’ve seen in 11 years as a head coach.”

U-M’s depth particularly stood out to Fleck, who has been in the B1G since 2017.

“I’ve never seen a football team like that, that deep. I’m not sure if this is true, but I was told this walking off the field. I think they traveled 75 people, maybe played like 74 of them. I don’t know.

“They’re one of the deepest teams, one of the best teams, one of the biggest teams, strongest teams, fastest teams and they do not make mistakes. They are truly like a boa constrictor and they do not beat themselves.”

At Harbaugh’s Monday press conference, brought up Fleck’s comments to the Michigan head coach.

“Good. Thank you,” Harbaugh said when asked about Fleck’s comments. “I have a lot of respect for Minnesota, think they’re a heck of a good team. We were really on our game. It’s great to get the win.”

Harbaugh continued, “I’m really impressed that we’re better each week, getting better and better. Guys are locked in. … It was very good to come out of that and see the evidence that the team is improving.”

Harbaugh has taken the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff in each of the last 2 seasons. U-M is again considered one of college football’s top 4 teams, currently sitting at No. 2 in the AP Top 25. Michigan received 11 first-place votes in the latest poll.

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.