What Michigan football's 'Beat Georgia' practice period is all about

Two offseasons ago, Michigan Wolverines football slapped a new title on its 9-on-7 drill, calling it the ‘Beat Ohio’ period. The Maize and Blue haven’t lost to the Buckeyes since, and have established themselves among college football’s elite programs. Now, they’ve implemented a ‘Beat Georgia’ period, with the Bulldogs having won the last two national championships and beaten Michigan in the 2021 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl, 34-11.

Ohio State — Michigan’s biggest rival — is still at the top of mind, senior running back Blake Corum said Thursday at Big Ten Media Days. But putting Georgia right up there is a sign that they’re looking to reach even higher after losing in the CFP semis the last two years.

“We were talking about this not too long ago, and we basically said, ‘To be the man, you’ve gotta beat the man,'” Corum said, channeling legendary wrestler Ric Flair, a friend of the Michigan program. “Georgia is at the top right now, and if we want to be able to be at the top, we’ve gotta beat ‘em.”

The Bulldogs are aiming to become the first team to win three straight national titles since Minnesota in the 1930s.

“Just implementing a Georgia drill, just like we implemented an Ohio State drill, [is] just keeping that in the back of our minds,” Corum continued. “Always keep it in there. We don’t gotta talk about it too much, but always keeping it there and driving us forward and reminding us, ‘Hey, we ain’t the top dog right now. We’ve got more work to do. Let’s get to work.’”

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According to Harbaugh, the ‘Beat Georgia’ practice period entails an “emphasis is stopping the run and being able to run the ball when the other team knows you’re going to run the ball.”

“That’s what I really respect about that team, their ability to run the ball when the other team knows they’re running the ball and their ability to stop the run,” Harbaugh added.

“Coach implemented a Beat Georgia period, where we go heavy —12 and 13 personnel,” Michigan graduate defensive back Mike Sainristil said. “I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be every practice.”

Corum, who sat out the spring while rehabbing from his season-ending knee injury suffered in 2022, is excited to participate during fall camp, which begins Aug. 2.

“I wasn’t here in the spring, and that’s when they put it in, so I can’t wait to see it in the fall. I can’t wait to see it in camp,” Corum said.

‘Beat Ohio’ still primary goal for Michigan

Even with the added emphasis on competing on the national stage, Michigan is sticking with its four goals — beat Michigan State, beat Ohio State, win the Big Ten championship and win the national title. Those won’t change, Harbaugh said, pushing back on the notion that the Wolverines have a “natty or bust” mentality heading into the season.

“Bust? What does that mean? That doesn’t mean anything to me,” the Michigan coach said.

Corum agreed, saying there was “unfinished business” for him to come back, and that this is a “special team” that can accomplish its goals. Beating the Buckeyes is one they’re discussing on a daily basis.

“They’re still a part of our everyday conversation,” Corum said. “We still have the ‘Beat Ohio’ period. If you didn’t, that means your head got too big, and you think you’re too good for your stuff. We’re not that. We’re not complacent, we want more. So we still have that period. We’re still thinking about Ohio State all the time. Right now, it’s just being where our feet are, getting ready for camp.”

Corum hasn’t been fully healthy against Ohio State yet in his career. The Wolverines didn’t play the Buckeyes in 2020, he was limited with a high-ankle sprain in 2021 and he gave it a go to start the 2022 game but realized his knee wasn’t healthy enough. Still, in 2021, he ripped off a 55-yard run in the third quarter that led to a touchdown on the next play.

Seeing Corum walk out of the Ohio Stadium tunnel with Harbaugh ahead of the 2022 contest in Columbus was a legendary sight. Corum had gone down with a severe knee injury the week before but vowed he’d try to play. It turned out, he had a torn MCL and meniscus. He had 2 carries but couldn’t continue on.

“I remember when I went to cut, my knee just gave out,” the Michigan back said. “I couldn’t cut on it. That’s what I remember.”

Corum said he’s not looking forward to the Nov. 25 battle with Ohio State than he would have been already. Getting back out there with the Wolverines during fall camp is what he’s focused on most at this point.

“How excited am I to play Ohio State? Really excited, but I’m just excited to be back,” Corum explained. “It’s not that I’m just excited to play Ohio State; I’m excited to get back on the field with the guys, play the game that I love, a game that I put my all into. That’s what I’m excited for. It’s not necessarily that I’m excited to be back there playing Ohio State. I’m excited to play ECU.

“I love the game of football, so going out like that sucked. But I’m back now, and I can’t wait.”

He won’t have to wait much longer.