Michigan Football: 4 things that must happen in the 2021 season

Keep it Close Against Ohio State

I already know people are going to read this and roll their eyes. I get it. But let me explain my point. Going into year seven of the Jim Harbaugh Era, should Michigan have beaten Ohio State by now? Yes. Should we be expecting a blowout loss every season as Michigan football fans? No.

But if Michigan is hitting the reset button on Harbaugh and buying into somewhat of a rebuild, I don’t think it’s fair to just say: “Beat Ohio State or you’re fired.”

This rivalry has been nothing short of frustrating in recent years. It sucks that in year seven we are just praying for a close game. But if Jim Harbaugh is still the guy for Michigan football, this is the year that progress in this rivalry must be made.

The Game is in Ann Arbor this year, that alone should automatically make it a close game. Michigan has lost 15 of the last 16 matchups against Ohio State. That should spark a fire in the players and coaches to finally flip this rivalry around.

But after what we’ve seen in the last couple of matchups, it’s hard to be confident in any outcome other than a non-competitive loss?

62-39 and 56-27. Those are the last two final scores in this rivalry. If Michigan is handed a third consecutive blowout loss to Ohio State, and no progress is being made in this rivalry, it seems impossible to justify the plan of Jim Harbaugh and the direction of the Michigan football program.

Michigan doesn’t have to beat the Buckeyes this season. But this program, absolutely cannot afford another non-competitive game.