Urban Meyer credits Jim Harbaugh, Michigan for staying focused amid sign-stealing investigation

Urban Meyer is giving some credit to Jim Harbaugh and Michigan for their focus amid the highly-publicized sign-stealing investigation.

During the latest edition of Urban’s Take with Tim May, the former Ohio State leader made sure to point out how difficult it could be to lead a team during this distracting time, which makes the continued success by the Wolverines that much more impressive.

“I can imagine it’s very distracting. I think, if there is a decision made this week, which I keep hearing there will be, that’s going to impact a lot of people. If it’s true, you know the NCAA and you know, they actually had people on campus, video taping and using that — the coaches, the offensive coordinator, the defense, using that information — if that comes down, obviously if there’s a decision made, that could disrupt the entire program.

“Up to this point, you’ve got to give them credit, because their staff and the leadership on their team, they’re unfazed. They went into Purdue, and I mean just beat them senseless. So they’re doing an excellent job of staying focuses right now.”

Alas, it remains to be seen what happens to Michigan due to their sign-stealing drama, but the on-field product has continued to be among the best of the best in the nation.

Time will tell, but Urban Meyer and company will be watching closely to see what becomes of the Wolverines. Much could change between now and The Game, but the Buckeyes and Michigan seem to be on a collision course, with the College Football Playoff weighing heavy on their minds.

Kirk Herbstreit: Georgia and Michigan are ‘a little bit more complete’ than Ohio State

It’s largely irrelevant for the moment — Michigan and Ohio State are yet to play, and Georgia has some key tests ahead — but for Kirk Herbstreit’s money, both the Wolverines and Bulldogs are a slight cut above the Buckeyes. And that’s in spite of Ohio State being ranked No. 1, again, in the College Football Playoff rankings.

It’s not that the Buckeyes — Herbstreit’s alma mater — aren’t worthy of a No. 1 ranking given their resume. But Herbstreit, in applying the eye test, has almost zero questions about the Wolverines or Bulldogs, whereas Ohio State has left him wanting more.

“Now, the resume says they are, so it’s fine. They’re up at No. 1,” Herbstreit said. “To me, I would have Georgia and Michigan ahead of them based on what they’re doing on the field. I know you guys like metrics and analytics and all that, but I watch the games and I watch these teams play. I look at Georgia and Michigan as teams that are a little bit more complete than Ohio State.”

Ohio State’s most recent contest was a 35-16 road win against Rutgers that was likely closer than the Buckeyes found comfortable. But wins over Penn State and Notre Dame have helped Ohio State hold down the No. 1 ranking, along with an unblemished record.

But the Buckeyes have been, at times, clunky in their way of beating opponents. That’s part of the reason for Herbstreit holding back on Ohio State.

“If they beat Michigan in Ann Arbor, then I think everybody would say they’re the best team. If Ryan Day were sitting here right now, he would tell you that they’re not executing in a way offensively that makes him feel good and makes him feel like they’re a consistent team and living up to what his standards are. So as of right now, I don’t think they’re a complete team to be ranked at the No. 1 spot,” Herbstreit added.

On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this article.