After years of struggle and frustration against their arch-rivals, the Michigan Wolverines have finally found their footing under the guidance of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh, who was determined to revive the once-mighty Michigan football program, has accomplished just that with an impressive turnaround that has been nothing short of remarkable.
Yes, they have yet to win the National Championship – but that may very well change this season.
Upon Harbaugh’s arrival, the Wolverines swiftly transitioned from a lackluster 5-7 record to an astounding 10-3 in his inaugural year, a testament to his coaching power.
However, one thorn remained in Harbaugh’s side – the Ohio State Buckeyes, a team that had long dominated their rivalry series.
Former Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer who once had Harbaugh’s number on the field, has now taken up the role of an analyst for FOX Sports.
Speaking on Harbaugh’s recent success, highlighted by two straight wins over Ohio State, Meyer was emphatic about what the key was to the Wolverines taking control of the series.
“The reason they beat Ohio State the last two years is they won the line of scrimmage. That game, the history of that game, whoever wins the line of scrimmage wins.” Meyer told Colin Cowherd on FS1’s “The Herd.”
“So you remember about three years ago, his job was on the line? I think they redid his contract. They were really struggling and he’s done a great job. He’s got a really good football team,” Meyer continued.
Ex-Ohio State coach Urban Meyer details his thoughts and gives some praise to Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines… 😳 #GoBlue
STORY: https://t.co/LL6w5H9zCO pic.twitter.com/FgR5jWluCm
— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) August 8, 2023
Indeed, Michigan’s dominance over the line of scrimmage has been evident in their recent victories.
In 2021, running back Hassan Haskins displayed a stellar performance, rushing for an impressive 169 yards and five touchdowns during their triumphant clash in Ann Arbor.
Last year, despite not having star running back Blake Corum due to injury, the Wolverines remained unstoppable. Backup RB Donovan Edwards stepped up with a staggering 216 yards and two touchdowns, leading Michigan to a dominant victory over Ohio State.
While the Wolverines have long relied on their powerful run game under Harbaugh’s leadership, another factor has contributed to their success this year – the return of quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Meyer noted the significance of having a returning quarterback, saying: “He’s got a quarterback coming back, one of the few teams with the returning quarterback. So when I think of a Jim Harbaugh team, I think about you better line up and run the football and stop the run because that’s coming at you.”
With the highly anticipated matchup against Ohio State, known as “The Game,” set to take place in Ann Arbor this year, Harbaugh and his Michigan squad are determined to secure a third consecutive victory over their rivals.
Both teams also have their sights set on making it back to the College Football Playoff and attempting to win the whole damn thing.
Will Michigan beat Ohio State for the third-straight time this season?
Does Harbaugh have a chance to go down as a better coach than Meyer?