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Jim Harbaugh discusses Michigan State rivalry in weekly presser
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke to the media ahead of the Michigan State game. The Wolverines are currently dominating the series so far, with 71-37 record against the Spartans all time. The Spartans won last year’s meeting in Ann Arbor by a score of 27-24.
Michigan is coming off a 33-7 win over Northwestern. Now they’ll try to avenge last year’s loss to Michigan State. If they want to do that, they’ll need the offense to play like it has been. The Wolverines are averaging 37 points per game, and they’ll need the same if they want to win the Paul Bunyan Trophy this year.
Michigan State is coming off of a close one against Indiana, where they escaped Bloomington with a 20-15 victory. The Spartans offense hasn’t been as explosive as their rival, averaging 34 points per game.
Harbaugh talked about the rivalry, and the job that Mel Tucker has done since joining Michigan State in 2020, as well as how his QB1 Cade McNamara has developed.
Here’s all he had to say:
Jim Harbaugh said this weekend is a “huge game” and acknowledges there is — of course — an appreciation for the historic, undefeated matchup. pic.twitter.com/MuOAHAUTYY
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 25, 2021
Jim Harbaugh praises Cade McNamara’s ability to play “winning football” and that things they look at when grading his performances include points per drive.
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) October 25, 2021
Jim Harbaugh weekly news conference underway. Says you need a one game at a time mentality but this week gets “…turned up a notch.” pic.twitter.com/WtzpEqJSCj
— Ed Kengerski (@EdUofM) October 25, 2021
Harbaugh on first impressions of Michigan State: “Playing team football and winning football. Take care of the ball on offense. Running back outstanding.” Also praised Payton Thorne and said MSU has been strong in all three phases.
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) October 25, 2021
Harbaugh on what a MSU win would mean: “those questions answer themselves. Excited to be in the position we’re in. Excited to start practice and ready to roll to start prepping for our game on Saturday.”
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) October 25, 2021
Harbaugh acknowledged “it definitely gets turned up a notch,” this week for what he had called a “huge game” a few times in less than 10 minutes pic.twitter.com/tVFVhcaxpV
— Larry Lage (@LarryLage) October 25, 2021
Jim Harbaugh on OG Zak Zinter and Trevor Keegan’s status for Saturday: “We’ll see.”
Both starting guards missed Saturday’s game against Northwestern. pic.twitter.com/SI5DEZVrzz
— Daniel Dash (@DanielDash_) October 25, 2021
Harbaugh asked about the new overtime rules and didn’t seem to be a fan, but wouldn’t say either way. “Things change and you adapt.”
Says Michigan has prepared more for two point conversations ahead of this year and has more in the tank than they have before.
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) October 25, 2021
Jim Harbaugh on this weekend’s stakes: “It’s an elimination mindset, playoff mindset at this point. Win this game and it’ll help your chances.”
— Daniel Dash (@DanielDash_) October 25, 2021
Jim Harbaugh on MSU standout RB Kenneth Walker: “He’s got great vision, balance.”
Harbaugh said he’s big — but so fast. Said his most impressive skillset is yards after contact.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 25, 2021
“He’s mixed it up well and been creative. Not predictable. He’s got a good feel for calling the game in all the situations. He’s done a great job preparing for the games. Consistently good.” — Harbaugh on offensive coordinator Josh Gattis
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) October 25, 2021
Harbaugh on Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum: “They both have ability that not a lot of running backs crawl out of the crib with.”
— Daniel Dash (@DanielDash_) October 25, 2021
Harbaugh on Mel Tucker: “Have great things to say about him. I think he’s doing a tremendous job.” Said he was neighbors with his brother in law (Tom Crean) at Georgia
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) October 25, 2021
Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.