Jim Harbaugh: ‘I think you’re going to find that we’re made of the right stuff’
Michigan and Ohio State will face off in Columbus Saturday with everything on the line, both teams 11-0. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was all about the positive Monday, refusing to comment on injuries to Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and others. He also said there was no need for “hatred” in the rivalry, just happy to be part of it.
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That was one of the messages he shared with his team, he said. He called the battle between No. 2 and No. 3 Michigan’s “toughest test, to date,” and said his squad had been keeping track of the Buckeyes and doing things in practice to prepare for them.
Michigan, of course, is coming off a 42-27 win last year and looking to win two in a row for the first time since 1999-2000.
“I think they’re a really good team; an improved team. It’s a tremendous team,” Harbaugh said. “We’re very grateful to be in this position to be playing in this game. Winner takes the [Big Ten] East — winner takes all right there.
“It’s a strong opponent, and it’s the kind of situation that gives you the opportunity to display how strong our team is. There’s no need to hate. Be grateful for the opponent. It’s like superheroes. It’s through a strong opponent that you get to find out who you are.”
They’ve got great players; so does Michigan, Harbaugh added. Same with the coaches and a number of players with “Heisman habits on both sides,” he said.
As for last year’s win … it’s more about the present, Harbaugh continued.
“It’s where we’re at now,” Harbaugh said. “Like I just said, those are my thoughts on it. It’s a real honor to be in this position to be able to test yourself physically, mentally, emotionally. We know it’s our toughest test of the year.”
He stopped short of guaranteeing victory the way he did as a player in 1986, of course. But like he did in the preseason when he said his team “wouldn’t flinch” heading to Columbus, he expressed confidence in his group.
“I think we’re going to find that we’re made of the right stuff,” he said.
Harbaugh was later asked to elaborate on the right stuff.
“We’ve got a great group of players who are happy warriors, and they’re on a happy mission,” he explained. “It’s a tight knit team that’s paid the price. They’ve taken on every challenge to this date and attacked it. Ready to play every single game for 60 minutes.
“I love this team. I think they’re made of the right stuff.”
None of the injured who can’t practice will play Saturday, Harbaugh continued. Those who do make the trek, however, made it clear they’re there to win. If they don’t, grad student left tackle Ryan Hayes said, “the rest of the year doesn’t mean anything.”
Harbaugh probalby wouldn’t agree. At the same time, he knows what’s at stake and proud his team is in position.
“How I feel is what I said — I’m so pleased with this team,” Harbaugh said. “I just want to congratulate them for them putting themselves in the position they’re in. It’s just a tremendous honor to be able to go play against this kind of opponent, with these kinds of circumstances, in that kind of setting in Ohio Stadium, with the championship of the East side of the Big Ten conference at stake.
“To be tested that way is just an honor, and we’re super excited about it.”
