Jim Harbaugh reveals thoughts on Ohio State defense

The biggest matchup of the Michigan Wolverines season happens this Saturday when they take on their archrival, the Ohio State Buckeyes. This matchup has enormous implications for both teams’ conference championship hopes and postseason aspirations. In this matchup between the second and third-ranked teams in the country, whoever executes the best in all three phases is likely to come out victorious. One battles Michigan will be watching closely is that of their offense led by Heisman hopeful running back Blake Corum versus a retooled Ohio State defense. While gearing up for the game, Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh gave his thoughts on the Buckeyes’ defense.

“Their defense is really good, 16 takeaways, ten interceptions, six recovered fumbles, 16 forced fumbles, and three defensive touchdowns. Yeah, I think it’s a very strong team,” said Harbaugh.

Ohio State’s defense ranks in the top 20 in the nation in rushing defense. They have allowed just over three yards per rushing attempt and have given up seven touchdowns on the ground, which is tied for 10th best in the country. Still, they have not faced a rushing attack and running back stable like the one Michigan has. The Wolverines have the fourth best rushing offense in the country, averaging nearly 244 yards per contest. They are also tied for fifth in the nation for most rushing touchdowns with 32, just two behind the country’s leader Baylor with 34.

Michigan is in for an epic battle on Saturday. If they can control the line of scrimmage and abuse Ohio State’s defense with their rushing attack, the Wolverines will come out of Saturday victorious. And that win will punch their ticket to the Big Ten championship game and likely the College Football Playoff.

Harbaugh wants JJ McCarthy to ‘have at it’ against Ohio State

Michigan survived a scare over the weekend with a 19-17 escape against Illinois, winning on a field goal with nine seconds remaining after quarterback JJ McCarthy helped lead the team into range.

Now, with a real gutsy win under his starting quarterback’s belt, coach Jim Harbaugh has one piece of advice heading into this weekend’s massive matchup against No. 2 Ohio State.

“Have at it,” Harbaugh said.

But despite a relatively shaky outing overall Saturday, McCarthy made key plays in crunch time.

“It’s pretty cool, coming off of the game he had, fourth-quarter comeback, win in the last minute, game-winning drive,” Harbaugh said. “That doesn’t happen to quarterbacks that often. To be in that situation, first time and win it, he’s got it.”