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Jim Harbaugh: Michigan has been preparing for Ohio State all year

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•11/21/21•

Jonathan Wagner

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Michigan football and Ohio State will meet as top six opponents on Saturday afternoon. (Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)

The end of college football’s regular season is almost here. With one game remaining before the postseason begins, there is one more pivotal Big Ten matchup left on the schedule. Michigan and Ohio State face off in a key game on Saturday, and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the Wolverines have been preparing for this all season.

The matchup will be a pivotal one for both teams and their College Football Playoff aspirations. Michigan and Ohio State are both 10-1 on the season. Ohio State is 8-0 against Big Ten opponents while Michigan is 7-1. The winner of this game will earn a spot in the Big Ten Championship, and the winner will likely be in a great spot to solidify a spot in the College Football Playoff. As Michigan gets ready for the Ohio State game, Harbaugh is glad to be in this position at this point of the season.

“Yeah, it means everything,” Harbaugh said of Michigan facing Ohio State next week. “That was (what) everything that was planned, built for. All the energy that was put in since way back in early 2021, January, February. All the things that the guys have done, the coaches have done, it’s put us in this position. That’s the position we wanted to be in. And we want to finish it.

“We want to win all the marbles. So we’re in the position we want to be in now. We’ve been preparing for this really the entire year. Now bring that preparation to life this week and play for it all.”

A win would be an impressive final piece of a resume for both teams

Michigan’s only loss came to Michigan State, a 37-33 defeat a few weeks ago. Other than that, the Wolverines have been spotless. Ohio State lost to Oregon in Week 2 but has been perfect ever since. The Buckeyes dominated Michigan State on Saturday, winning 56-7.

Harbaugh and Michigan have the advantage of being at home for this pivotal matchup against Ohio State. For both teams, it is simple. Win and you’re in the Big Ten championship and in all likelihood the College Football Playoff as well.

Saturday’s kickoff is set for noon ET in Ann Arbor.