ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Jim Harbaugh stood near the line of scrimmage, bent over, his hands on his knees, watching intently as Ohio State lined up needing a yard to convert a fourth down. Ohio State had knifed through Harbaugh’s defense all day. He looked as if he wanted to run onto the field and tackle Ezekiel Elliott, the Buckeyes’ star running back.
But Elliott barreled for 4 yards, and, after the next play, Harbaugh shouted something at his assistant and watched, his hands on his hips, as Ohio State celebrated in the end zone.