Michigan Football: Why Ohio State banner is a good thing
A few days ago, a report emerged that Michigan football had added a new sign to their weight room. It is a sign that should’ve been implemented into Michigan’s culture long ago. It is an Ohio State motivational sign. This may not seem like much to a lot of U-M fans, but it is actually very significant.
Various OSU players have gone on record and just straight up said that they don’t think that Michigan takes “The Game” as seriously as they do.
I mean it’s obvious they do because the last few matchups have been blowouts. Ohio State players take “The Game” seriously. OSU has their motivational sign and clock in their facility, counting down the days to “The Game.”
Michigan wants to know what are their players doing to beat Ohio State today? New sign in their weight room. pic.twitter.com/q0QqFBXWfO
— jbook™ (@jbook37) June 8, 2021
It seems like Jim Harbaugh has been subject to doing this as well. He seems like he considers the matchup with OSU just to be another game. That shouldn’t be the case.
Michigan football needs to take the rivalry more serious
Jim Harbaugh should have Michigan football prepare for every opponent 100% during the week, but when it comes to that final regular-season game, he should be motivating the players to give that extra 10-20% in practice during rivalry week and give 110-120% effort during the rivalry game.
Yes, this graphic doesn’t the results on the field. I get that. The coaches get it. The players too.
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But part of the job is changing the narrative of the program. Michigan is overhauling their entire defensive staff. They brought in a lot of different defensive and offensive-minded coaches. So why not overhaul the mindset too?
The coaches need to hammer home how important it is to win “The Game.” It’s the will to win the game. It is about passion and spirit. The dawg and alpha mentality.
At the end of the day, this graphic is still just lip service. It is great that the graphic is up for the players to see, it really is, but now, more results need to show on the field. Fans and the media are sick of the excuses.
The talent is with Michigan. I truly believe the Wolverines can beat OSU. Call me crazy, whatever. The talent gap is large, but not insurmountable.
If Michigan football just plays a clean game, and with heart and passion, U-M can do it. Michigan has to want it more. But it all starts with the mentality. That’s the first step.