Jim Harbaugh reveals how Michigan kept focus on Ohio State all year, going back to spring practice

It’s no secret that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to beat Ohio State.

The Wolverines have struggled under Harbaugh against the rival to the south, with zero wins, five losses and a combined score of 221-126. In fact, this year the maize and blue have their own drill dedicated to the Ohio State offense.

Michigan has a running drill called the Ohio drill.

It’s designed to keep Ohio State on their minds all year, Jim Harbaugh said. It began the first day of spring ball.

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) November 22, 2021

“In years prior, we would call it 9-on-7, which is what the drill is,” according to junior offensive lineman Trevor Keegan back in September. “This year, we changed it to (the) Beat Ohio drill. Now, we’re blasting music, smelling salts, everything. And it’s a pretty physical period, and we love it.”

The drill is football at its purest level and nothing really special. A running back takes a handoff and hits the middle and the defense, as usual, tries to stop him. The seven blockers try to hold off the seven defenders on the other side — just old school football.

With the drill, Harbaugh is hoping to send a clear message that the results from the past are not acceptable.

The Wolverines host Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 12 p.m. ET at the Big House in Ann Arbor.