Bob Stoops backs Jim Harbaugh prior to Michigan-Ohio State in The Game

On3 imageby:Nick Schultz11/26/21

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It’s almost time for The Game between Ohio State and Michigan. There’s once again plenty of talk about what it means for Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh — and FOX analyst Bob Stoops has his back.

Harbaugh hasn’t beaten Ohio State as Michigan’s head coach. In fact, the Wolverines haven’t beaten the Buckeyes since 2011 when Brady Hoke was the coach.

Stoops said that adds to the magnitude of the game for Harbaugh. However, it’s not make-or-break considering how Michigan has done this year.

“Winning this game for Coach Harbaugh, to me, puts him at another level,” Stoops said Friday morning. “Jim Harbaugh’s perfect for Michigan. I think he’s a great coach, he’s a damn good coach. Every year, winning eight, nine, 10 games. Look around the country, that isn’t happening everywhere. Just look at Texas right now. So point being, he does a great job.

“This’ll put him at another level, winning it. If he does lose it, again, they’re still doing a great job here. They’re in the end of the season, 10-1, are you kidding me? They’re doing an awesome job.”

No. 2 Ohio State is a six-point favorite over No. 5 Michigan at The Big House. Kickoff for that game is coming up Saturday at noon ET on FOX.

Paul Finebaum predicts outcome of Michigan vs. Ohio State in The Game

It’s rivalry week, and for the first time in a few years, “The Game” between Ohio State and Michigan has massive implications.

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum joined his colleague Matt Barrie on “The ESPN College Football Podcast” earlier this week to preview this weekend’s contest between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes.

Finebaum had a short and sweet headline prediction for Sunday morning following the game: “Déjà vu all over again. Buckeyes roll over Harbaugh.”

Finebaum has been hot and cold on Harbaugh this season. After entering the 2021 year doubting his abilities, he has at times been complimentary of the 10-1 job the head coach has done. However, following the Michigan State loss earlier this week, Finebaum was rather harsh. 

“This seemed like maybe the year that Jim Harbaugh was going to shed the choker reputation, and instead he just enhanced it.” the ESPN personality said.

Should Michigan be unable to hang with Ohio State this weekend, expect Finebaum to be critical of Harbaugh once again.