Ad Disclosure
Jim Harbaugh points to unhealthy aspect of The Game
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Jim Harbaugh is undoubtedly proud of his Michigan team for battling through the end of the regular season, including a hard-fought win in the rivalry matchup with Ohio State. Harbaugh loves The Game and the big win, but he also feels one part of the rivalry is unhealthy.
Speaking at his Monday press conference, Harbaugh admitted some of the attention on The Game is “manufactured” for television purposes. The head coach expressed a desire to see the focus on the field and admitted certain aspects of the media attention are “not healthy” for the players.
Jim Harbaugh says the media attention surrounding the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry has gotten out of hand and hopes people will keep the game in perspective. “I think that is very manufactured for the TV show people want to see. It’s not healthy for the student athletes.”
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) November 27, 2023
Harbaugh might have a point about media coverage, but there is no shortage of bad blood involved in this rivalry outside of the play on the field. After Michigan’s win, Roman Wilson called out Ohio State for a perceived lack of toughness, and both head coaches were unable (or unwilling) to answer basic questions about mutual respect leading up to The Game.
Whether or not there is a way to tone down the coverage while still capturing the spirit of the rivalry is a discussion that could be had, but there’s no denying these two programs genuinely do not like one another.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.