As a player at U-M, Wolverines’ coach Jim Harbaugh won both of his starts against the Buckeyes — the second fulfilling his guarantee of a victory.(Photo: Gene Puskar AP) Twenty years ago, Michigan entered the Ohio State game with a first-year coach, facing a team loaded with NFL talent. The Wolverines were not picked to win The Game in their own stadium and were told by coach Lloyd Carr, newly minted with the permanent job, this was the day to prove something. “Ohio State was the best team in the land,” then-U-M offensive tackle Jon Jansen recalled with a wink. “We were lucky to be on the field, lucky to be there. He would play up the fact that this is a game where a lot of memories will be made. If we’re fortunate enough to make it out of the tunnel against a great team like that, maybe that’s a victory enough for us.” Carr laid it on thick. “We’re lucky to be on the field with these guys, maybe we should ask for an autograph when the game is over,” Jansen recalled. “All tongue in cheek. When it came down to it, it was a matter of pride for our program.” Of course the Wolverines got an all-time memorable performance from its offensive line, tailback Tshimanga Biakabutuka had 313 rushing yards, and U-M knocked off the No. 2 ranked, 10-0 Buckeyes, 31-23. It took a season that was short of a Big Ten title and made it memorable. …
Continue Reading: Will Harbaugh join group of first-year coaches to top OSU?
