Jim Harbaugh says Ohio State is improved from 2021
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy said after the Wolverines win against Illinois that he and his teammates can beat Ohio State in The Game a second-straight year because Michigan is better than it was a year ago. The big potential hitch in that plan, of course, is that Ohio State is also better than its 2021 vintage, according to Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Now, Harbaugh is certainly full of confidence and belief in his team — he once guaranteed a victory in The Game as a player — but he made sure to pay respect to the Buckeyes prior to noon on Saturday. A retooled defense and deep-as-ever offense present a daunting task for the visiting Wolverines in Columbus.
“I think they’re really a good team. Improved team. It’s a tremendous team,” Harbaugh said. “We’re very grateful to be in this position to be playing in this game. Winner takes the east, winner takes all right there. Strong opponent. And it’s the kind of situation that gives you the opportunity to display how strong our team is. There’s no need to hate. Be grateful for the opponent. It’s like superheroes. It’s through a strong opponent that you get to find out who you are.”
As much as Harbaugh tip-toed around giving any bulletin board material, he did make sure to note his Michigan team has the goods to hang.
From talented defenses to star-studded-but-banged up offenses, Heisman candidates to rising assistant coaches, there’s plenty of compelling matchups — with championship stakes on the line the entire time.
You know who Harbaugh is taking to win, even with Ohio Stated being “improved.”
“They have a lot of players that are really good. They’ve got great players, we’ve got great players. They have great coaches. We have great coaches. They have players with Heisman habits. We have players with Heisman habits,” Harbaugh said. “And congratulations, be grateful for having the opportunity for playing this kind of big game.”