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Paul Finebaum impressed by Jim Harbaugh, still not betting on Michigan to beat Ohio State
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When it comes to Jim Harbaugh, rarely will you hear SEC Network host Paul Finebaum pay a compliment. That wasn’t the case earlier this week during an episode of ESPN’s Get Up.
Michigan is off to an impressive 6-0 start and will host Northwestern this weekend before a colossal matchup with in-state rival Michigan State. That game is of significance in the B1G East race, as the two teams — along with Ohio State and Penn State — are alive and well in the division.
Finebaum was asked by host Mike Greenburg if this was the year Michigan would finally get over the hump, beat Ohio State and get to Indianapolis.
While Finebaum admits to being impressed by the Wolverines’ start, he’s not ready to pencil the team into the B1G East’s spot in Indianapolis at the end of the season.
“This is definitely the year, Greeny, that Jim Harbuagh will beat Northwestern, but that’s as far as I’m going to go,” Finebaum said. “I think he has done a really good job, give him credit. He was on the hottest seat in the country and he’s still alive, very well. He’s undefeated, he’s got Michigan State next week, he’s got Penn State and, of course, Ohio State at the end of the year.
“Right now, I’ve seen too much football from the B1G this year to believe that Michigan can beat Ohio State. They’re going to have a good season, he’ll save his job … but I still don’t believe Michigan is going to beat Ohio State at the end of the year.
Harbaugh’s team has been impressive to start the year, but has not registered a win against a Power 5 team with a winning record yet. Rutgers, Wisconsin and Nebraska are a combined 9-12 and Washington is currently 2-4.
So, it’s fair to say that Michigan still has something to prove.
While the Wolverines still have to get past Northwestern this weekend, all eyes will be focused in on next week’s matchup against MSU.
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