Paul Finebaum calls Michigan the most obnoxious fanbase in America
Paul Finebaum isn’t pulling punches for Michigan fans. During an appearance on “The Matt Barrie Show,” Finebaum blasted the Michigan faithful for their reaction to head coach Jim Harbaugh’s three-game suspension.
“This is the most obnoxious fanbase in America,” Finebaum said. “This is a fanbase that literally think the world revolves around the University of Michigan football program. You can’t judge a university by those who tweet about it, but I’m going to.
“Michigan has what — one and a half national championships in about 70 years? Alabama and Georgia won one while we were talking here. And they look down at everyone… It’s a good state school, big deal! But, its football program is really becoming just comical in terms of what it’s trying to represent out there.”
Finebaum and others have criticized Michigan for playing the victim in its tumultuous situation. Less than 24 hours before the program’s matchup against Penn State, the Big Ten Conference handed Harbaugh his suspension.
The sudden news created a “Michigan vs. Everybody” mindset, which was materialized in a wave of best-selling t-shirts. Michigan’s players and coaches only legitimized this mindset. After the win, acting head coach Sherrone Moore delivered a teary-eyed speech, praising Harbaugh.
Michigan running back Blake Corum followed suit. After rattling off 26 carries for 145 yards and two touchdowns, Corum exclaimed to the nation, “Coach Harbaugh, this is for you, baby.” Finebaum believes the program and its followers overestimate their importance.
Paul Finebaum digs at Michigan’s importance
“What they’re also not is Ohio State,” Finebaum said. “Ohio State is a much better program overall, it has tremendous tradition. I mean, if you’re walking down the streets of New York and you get in a conversation — on most days, not when Jim Harbaugh is page one — Ohio State is part of the front row of college football. Michigan is not… It’s just not that big of a deal, and they take themselves so seriously up there.”
Michigan has won the last two meetings against Ohio State by an average margin of 18.5 points. Pending the results of Harbaugh’s court hearing, the 59-year-old head coach will have a chance to lead the Wolverines to a third-straight victory against the Buckeyes.
For reference, Michigan has not won three games in a row against OSU since 1995-97. Finebaum won’t be rooting for Michigan to have another accolade to brag about.
“As somebody who deals with fan bases from primarily one conference, but it branches a little bit broader and beyond that, I’ve never become I’ve never come in contact with with a fan base that is as insecure and just consumed with their own self worth in a false way,” Finebaum said. “There’s no more sniffling fan base in America than Michigan.”