Who knows what Jim Harbaugh is up to. After resurfacing he mostly talked about paying players. A more distasteful, unlikely, and unwanted topic is hard to imagine.
But the team keeps winning. Ryan Day looked really stressed, particularly in the beginning of the game. That has to be the major motivation in winning. These people are just too obsessed.
What I remember most is reading 11 Warriors after the game. I did so beforehand too and it was mostly about SCUM and cheaters. Afterward it was no confidence and extremely critical. "Honda" McCord is unfit and Ryan day (56-7) needs to go too. Of course you cannot trust loudmouths and dominant characters, but very few cast a reasonable vote. It was really curious behavior among supposed fans.
Some folks on the site did mention Ohio State playing not to lose--timidness to the point of being afraid. That I agree with.
Overall it was a bit like Penn State in terms of, why did Ohio State lose? In the second half they comfortably marched down the field running every play. At other times they did it with passing (i.e., receivers) who Michigan could not stop. Ohio State won in terms of total yards and first downs.
The loss and the Michigan win, however, was no fluke. Michigan had the mojo--made the plays--when Ohio State did not and could not. Those included a few big pass plays, Corum touchdowns, a couple of scrambles, a sack, and two interceptions. Just like against Penn State, Michigan did it.
Forget the off the field nonsense--Michigan State, Penn State, Ohio State, and 12-0 is an incredible season and the best thing about it is more games. Next up is Iowa on a cold, dark winter night. Michigan-Ohio State will continue, but this is the last hurrah for a team like Iowa. No longer will they cruise through a cupcake Big Ten schedule. In the future it will truly be the two best teams in an empirically-chosen, all-inclusive way and such a lopsided game will not happen. Iowa is going to get killed again.
It can hardly be enjoyable for Hawkeye fans. Cade and Erick All are lucky to be sitting it out. The Michigan defense will smother the Iowa offense: Deacon Hill was 11 for 28 and 94 yards against Nebraska and the rushing attack is not going to outrun Michigan defenders. But Iowa has a good defense! History, like the 2021 game, has shown Michigan's athletes will break through there too.
Time to put the distractions aside. For Michigan and its fans the Big Ten Championship is the perfect warmup for the real test. It is Tuesday 11//28/23. Four more days and there probably won't be another scandal or suspension.
Enjoy it while you can. Reading the NFL mock drafts, J.J. McCarthy is a first round pick; the rule is, if first round, you go. There will still be experience next year, but most of the stars will be gone.
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