Skip to main content
Michigan

TheWolverine.com Podcast: Balas and Skene on Michigan win at Nebraska, more on Harbaugh contract

Chris Balasby: Chris Balas10/02/23Balas_Wolverine
thewolverine-com-podcast-balas-and-skene-on-michigan-win-at-nebraska-more-on-harbaugh-contract
Sep 23, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh leads his team off the field after a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan dominated Nebraska, 45-7, Saturday and improved to 5-0. The Wolverines owned the trenches, got big plays in the passing game, and racked up 249 yards rushing against the nation’s No. 1 run defense (on paper). TheWolverine.com’s Chris Balas and former Michigan offensive lineman Doug Skene break it down after head coach Jim Harbaugh‘s Monday comments. 

RELATED: News and Views: Michigan O-line shake-up, Rod Moore prognosis, more
RELATED:Jim Harbaugh identifies Michigan standouts in win over Nebraska

Harbaugh had positive words to say about all the position groups on both sides of the ball. He credited a big part of the Wolverines’ success to practice meetings dedicated to situational awareness and focus.

“Being really disciplined is the key, and really knowing the situations,” the Michigan coach said. “Situational awareness, football awareness, rules awareness. Our guys do a great job of taking the coaching, and they’re super excited about situations, too. They’ve learned so much.

“It would be interesting if you asked some of the guys on the team, offense, defense, special teams, give them some situational scenarios … they’d acquit themselves really well. They’re excited to learn that stuff, too. It really stimulates the whole team and is something we work on daily in training camp, besides the regular coaching the guys get. We devote a meeting a week to situational awareness.”

They’re eating it up, Harbaugh continued of his Michigan players.

“Guys are smart … they love being stimulated and learning new stuff. Then putting it into practice, it makes you feel great when you see it in the game. Zero penalties in this last game as a team — tremendous. A few penalties I know that weren’t called maybe, both ways, officials maybe letting them play. I think that’s part of it. But I think the biggest part is our guys really focused and dialed in on situational awareness techniques and discipline, and they know the rules and do a great job.”

We talk about that and more in today’s podcast.

You may also like