Speaking with reporters at Big Ten media days, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh made a bold proclamation and emphatically stated that the Wolverines’ awful record against archrival Ohio State and other conference foes would be avenged.
Well, sort of. Isaiah Hole of Wolverines Wire documented what Harbaugh had to say about the Buckeyes, and how he’d give maximum effort to ensure their famous head-to-head duels would soon be competitive again:
Jim Harbaugh on the next step: "I'm here before you as enthusiastic and excited as" he's been. "To win the championship, to beat Ohio — our rivals, Michigan State. Everybody. That's what we're gonna do. And we're gonna do it or die trying."
— Isaiah Hole (@isaiahhole) July 22, 2021
If you just look at the raw numbers from Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater, it doesn’t look terrible. He’s compiled a 49-22 record, with a 34-16 mark in Big Ten play. It’s the big-stage games where Harbaugh’s Wolverines have seriously struggled.
Against Ohio State over the past two seasons, Michigan has allowed 118 points. Harbaugh has yet to get a victory over the Buckeyes, and he holds an awful 1-4 record in bowl games.
It’s not looking much better in 2021. As our Buckeyes schedule predictions outline, the score for the next Ohio State-Michigan meeting in Week 13 at Ann Arbor projects OSU to prevail by a score of 42-28.
Wild to think that Harbaugh did so well at all his previous collegiate stops and helped the San Francisco 49ers to two NFC title games and a Super Bowl berth. Who would’ve thought it’d go this sour with the Wolverines?
Michigan Players: Coach, what if we can’t beat Ohio State?
— The Victory Bell (@VictoryBellOSU) July 22, 2021
Jim Harbaugh: pic.twitter.com/R5mvPh2f3G
rest in peace to coach harbaugh and all the players https://t.co/0lYRRMZJwk
— stoney hndrxx (@lil_uzi_maki) July 22, 2021
What Jim Harbaugh should’ve said about Michigan beating Ohio State in football pic.twitter.com/YZ7LCRN5TM
— Rich (@UptownDC_Rich) July 22, 2021
Jim Harbaugh taking the stage to 24K Magic by Bruno Mars. Coincidentally, 24 will be the spread when Ohio State goes to Ann Arbor in November.
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) July 22, 2021
Jim Harbaugh: We're going to beat Ohio State or die trying.
— Joseph (@BuckeyevsTworld) July 22, 2021
November 27th, 2021: pic.twitter.com/JlVNq1UKV5
Jim Harbaugh on beating Ohio State: “we’re going to do it or die trying”
— The Victory Bell (@VictoryBellOSU) July 22, 2021
How it’s gonna go: pic.twitter.com/kbdT48RP67
Jim Harbaugh pre game speech trying to fire up his team pic.twitter.com/niKLkxArLa
— Skippy Cox (@Skippy15275) July 22, 2021
Jim Harbaugh, November 2021: https://t.co/DkPpKrMKcD pic.twitter.com/w4bfdorFiA
— Brain Phillips (@BPhillips_SB) July 22, 2021
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!