There’s no question that Jim Harbaugh has had a very successful first season at Michigan’s helm. The fiery leader took over a program stuck in neutral under Brady Hoke’s watch and turned it into a consistent, tough, nine-game winner.
But after the way Saturday’s crucial rivalry tilt with Ohio State unfolded, will Wolverine fans remember any of it? A 42-13 beatdown at Urban Meyer’s hands spoiled goodwill that Harbaugh’s surprising first-season success provided and showed that Michigan still has a way to go to close the talent gap between itself and the Buckeyes.
Even with a 10-win season possible with a win in a bowl game, Saturday’s results will linger in Michigan supporters’ minds.