Ryan Day downplays question about his respect for Jim Harbaugh
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh sidestepped a question about his respect for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day on Monday, choosing to instead say that “it’s all about our preparation for Ohio.”
Day was asked about his respect for Harbaugh during his press conference on Tuesday and gave a similar type of answer.
“With everything going on and the things that are out there, we’ve just kind of stayed away from all the distractions. We have. And just focused on our team,” Ryan Day said. “And I think our guys have done a good job of it.”
Day is of course referring to the sign-stealing allegations that led to Jim Harbaugh being suspende for three games, including Saturday’s rivalry matchup against the Buckeyes.
There is talk that Michigan believes Ohio State turned the Wolverines into the NCAA and Big Ten, leading to the investigation, although evidence of that has not been presented. Either way, it’s clear that Ryan Day and Jim Harbaugh aren’t on the best terms entering this weekend’s game.
They won’t be seeing each other in person as Harbaugh is barred from the stadium while serving out the final game of the Big Ten’s three-game suspension. Day insists he isn’t focused on any of that.
“You know, I think when you talk to our guys, I’ve talked to them a couple of times about what’s gone on this season and going into the game. But they’re focused on this game, they’re focused on this season, they’re focused on their preparation,” Day said. “And we’re just going to continue on that.”
More on Jim Harbaugh stressing preparation over respect for Ohio State coaches
Jim Harbaugh didn’t want to talk about respect for Ohio State coaches ahead of The Game. Instead, he focused on Michigan’s preparation when asked about the mutual respect between both sides.
“It’s all about our preparation for Ohio,” Harbaugh said. “You know, the days, the minutes, the hours, everything leading up to this game. You know, that’s where our focus is. Preparing ourselves, planning, going to practice and then executing. So I mean, anything else is irrelevant when you get into this kind of big game week.”
Harbaugh’s future at Michigan could be at stake. But despite having to finish his suspension this weekend, the Wolverines head coach had just one thing on his mind: Ohio State.
“All the focus is on Ohio State,” Harbaugh said. “This is where we’re at. That’s the focus. That’s part of the life lesson, to focus on the task in front of you. When you got a task in front of you, it’s a big task, you got to use every day, every hour, every minute. Plan, practice, get yourself right. Get yourself in position to go out there and play to the best of your ability.”