Michigan WR Roman Wilson on Ohio State's toughness: 'I don't think they wanted it like I wanted it'

Michigan absorbed some blows and delivered more than it took over the course of a close, back-and-forth edition of The Game against Ohio State. And when Michigan prevailed, 30-24, for a third-straight win in the rivalry, one Wolverine had something to say about the lack of toughness from his rival.

For three straight years, failing at the point of attack has cost the Buckeyes when it has mattered most. Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson wanted to make sure it was known that for all the offseason talk, the Buckeyes still aren’t tough enough.

“Definitely not. I told the receivers this whole week: You’ve got guys back there — this is a thing I thought, too — guys who want to put on the Louis V, the $1000 outfit, you want to act hard but when we’re out there, they’re not hard,” Wilson said after the game. “I see the film: You’re not tough. And I don’t think I’m the toughest guy in the world. But I’m out there, I’m getting physical. I don’t think they wanted it like I wanted it.”

Wilson finished with three catches for 36 yards and the lone receiving touchdown on the day for the Wolverines. But he also consistently mixed it up as a blocker. And in those reps, Wilson saw clearly which team was more comfortable in a scrap: His.

Wilson isn’t the only person victory lapping after the Wolverines’ win

Ric Flair, former WWE star and current Michigan football superfan, had a message for doubters and non-believers in the Wolverines after Michigan outlasted Ohio State, 30-24, on Saturday. And one person in particular landed in the Nature Boy’s sights: SEC Network host and talking head Paul Finebaum.

Finebaum has been among the most vocal critics of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh of late as the NCAA investigation into impermissible scouting has unfolded and the head coach was suspended. Flair had a clear message for Finebaum on social media as he took a victory lap.

“The Michigan Wolverines, Denied Your Coach, The Great [Jim Harbaugh], You Still Prevailed! HaHa, Big 10, NCAA, And Especially You [Finebaum]! Quit Being A Hater And Start Being A Believer!” Flair said. “Quit Snubbing The Big 10! WOOOOO!”

The Michigan Wolverines, Denied Your Coach, The Great @CoachJim4UM, You Still Prevailed! HaHa, Big 10, NCAA, And Especially You @finebaum! Quit Being A Hater And Start Being A Believer! Quit Snubbing The Big 10! WOOOOO! @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/29KcEzYJK3

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) November 25, 2023

With the win, Michigan moves to 12-0 and earns a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game, where the Wolverines will face the 10-2 Iowa Hawkeyes, a rematch of the 2021 title game.

More relevant to Flair’s trash talk, Harbaugh’s suspension ended with the final whistle on Saturday afternoon and the head coach will be back with his team on the sidelines for the remaining games for Michigan.

And it’s a safe bet Finebaum isn’t going to be backing off his stance just because of flack on social media.