ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) – Jim Harbaugh has won on and off the field in his two years at Michigan, posting a pair of 10-3 seasons and generating a lot of publicity with his outside-the-box approach.
The Wolverines, though, have only managed to finish third in the Big Ten East Division those two years Only time will tell if Harbaugh’s sizzling style will lead to desperately wanted championships for college football’s winningest program.
With only one returning starter on defense and three positions on offense with starters coming back, Harbaugh could have a hard time leading Michigan to its first Big Ten title since 2004. The program’s first national title since 1997 seems a far longer shot.
The Wolverines started 9-0 last year and lost three of the last four games. How much has that driven Harbaugh and his players?
“I hope a lot,” he said. “Maybe that will motivate us to put more into it. Coach better. Play better. Train harder. Put more of our heart into each and every one of those ballgames.”