Coming off a 45-23 victory over Ohio State, Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh had nothing but love and praise for his team in his postgame press conference.
While many outside the program doubted whether this year’s Wolverines would be able to come into Columbus and get the win, it’s clear that Harbaugh had nothing but faith in his brothers to get the job done.
“I’m proud of them, I couldn’t be more proud,” Harbaugh said. “I know the team has been focused and determined all season, and this was a heroic waiting room. We talked about that last night – how we don’t need one or two heroes but a whole group of ’em. It was a big team win.”
The back of Saturday’s victory came from an unexpected source. Plays an explosive chunk. Heading into Ohio State, the Wolverines mustered just a handful of plays of more than 50 yards, most of which came during the non-conference schedule.
By contrast, Saturday was downright atomic for Michigan, with four plays of more than 50 yards and three going for 75-plus.
“We knew we could make plays like that, and (Cornelius Johnson) really got us started. We’ve never been away from the run game — something good can wear on you in the run game and the longer the play goes on, the better. I love Donovan Edwards, man. About him when he’s free. You don’t even think about it, it’s a touch.
With more than 12 Wolverines looking to make an impact, much of the focus going into the game was on whether quarterback JJ McCarthy could be one of them.
Despite a rocky 3-for-10 passing start, McCarthy didn’t let the raucous Ohio Stadium crowd dent his confidence. Once called, McCarthy lights out, noticing three touches in the air and running for another.
It was a great performance to be sure, but one that Harbaugh knew McCarthy had in him.
“I’ve always said he has, he’s got it all the way,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t think there’s been a freshman in Michigan history that has won 12 games, gone 12-0, and played that well in their first game at Ohio State against Ohio State.”
With Saturday’s win, this season isn’t about to end. That being the case, it’s clear that this game will be one that Harbaugh remembers with great fondness for a long, long time.
