Kirk Herbstreit breaks down what Jim Harbaugh's return means for Michigan offense
Jim Harbaugh is back on the sidelines for Michigan and as the Wolverines take on Rutgers in Ann Arbor. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit thinks the offense will start really clicking now for the No. 2 Wolverines.
“The reality is this, this offense was just just not quite humming,” Herbstreit said on College GameDay of the first three games for Michigan. “JJ McCarthy, the three picks he’s gonna get back on track. Now, keep in mind, there’s a history of Rutgers since they joined the Big Ten, they have just kind of muddied the game up against Michigan and this team with Greg Schiano, even on the road, they kind of have that.
“They’re going to try to win turnover margin, play great defense, do all those small things to keep you in the game. So I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s competitive, just because that’s the style of play Schiano likes to play. But in the end, it’s great to see Jim back. And I think it will affect the rhythm of that offense and obviously have an impact.”
Desmond Howard agreed with that notion, despite a tough Rutgers defense coming to play.
“You know, you talked about JJ’s three picks last week and I went home and (my son is) the biggest McCarthy fan and he was beside himself couldn’t eat dinner and he was just, I said, Listen, son, coach Harbaugh is the head coach for a reason,” Howard said. “Like he knows what buttons to push. He knows how to reel him in.
“Plus, he’s a former quarterback and they have a wonderful relationship. So JJ is very excited to get Coach Harbaugh back on the sidelines. So is Blake Corum. I think the whole team is you know, you saw those shirts, ‘Free Harbaugh’ at the beginning of the season. So they’re very happy to get him back on the sideline.”
So far this year, McCarthy has 716 yards, seven touchdowns, three interceptions and an 82.4% completion percentage. Pretty solid, but last week was ugly with three turnovers.
With Harbaugh back, that should improve but Pat McAfee said to look out for Schiano’s Scarlet Knights’ defense.
“But another thing that we haven’t really chatted about, Schiano’s got Rutgers, he’s a great college football coach,” McAfee said. “In college he’s incredible, especially in New Jersey. They are defensively, only given up 70 yards rushing a game. Blake Corum’s gonna get tested on the offense.
“They’ve been able to steamroll people, I mean, I like Rutgers a lot today Des. I don’t hate Michigan like these people. I like Schiano man, and what he’s doing with Rutgers, I think they’ve been playing sound football.”