Go Blue

 

 

On a cold November day in 1950, I was listening on the radio to the blizzard conditions of the hard-fought football battle between University of Michigan, Chuck Ortman and Ohio State University, Vic Janowicz. The final Snow Bowl score was 9 to 3 Wolverines. Another bit of factual information, my two siblings Ron and Bev also have degrees from the University of Michigan. As alumni, we all share the ups and downs based on the gridiron score by our Wolverines. This essay, pertains to football coach Jim Harbaugh.

About 9 years ago, Linda and I were at the Olmsted loop. She was riding my Tevis horse Raider and I was running alongside them. She thought I should write another book. I told her I was thinking about Mental Toughness. Shortly after our trail ride and run, I made a connection with Mike Keller. Mike was an All-American at the University of Michigan and played professionally with the Dallas Cowboys. I discussed with Mike my idea of mental toughness. He was engaging and suggested I talk with his All-American University of Florida and Los Angeles Rams friend Jack Youngblood. Then, Mike suggested that I talk with Tex Schramm and Gill Brandt. After a while, I realized that I should focus on the mental toughness of the 1969 University of Michigan football team as they, in historical fashion, upset the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes were the number one ranked team in the country, were undefeated in 22 straight games and were a 17 ½ point favorite to demolish the Wolverines.

An intense interview process began with Mike Keller, Jim Brandstatter, and Reggie McKenzie all players from state of Michigan. Other interviews began with Fritz Seyferth not from the state of Michigan. However the following interviews with Frank Gusich, Thom Darden, Gary Moeller, Tom Curtis and Jim Betts all represented the state of Ohio. These facts significantly foreshadow the University of Michigan football program.

My book “Bo’s Warriors Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football” was published by Triumph Books in 2014. That year I involved my friends in a number of book signings. For example, Thom Darden, his wife Melissa, Linda and I in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mike Keller, Linda and I in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Fritz Seyferth, Linda and I just outside of Ann Arbor; Mike, and the two Jim’s, Linda and I at the Brady Hoke luncheon in Ann Arbor; Mike, the two Jim’s Thom, Linda and I at M Den in Ann Arbor; and at an Ann Arbor location with the two Jim’s, Fritz, Linda and I. Further, Mike, Linda and I met with Dave Brandon the U of M athletic director; and Mike and I were on Jim Brandstatter with his Jim Harbaugh radio show a few times.  At a later date, Linda and I did book signings for Michigan alumni in San Francisco and my cousin Shelley in Orange County.

Both Jims were on the executive board for Michigan alumni football. Jim Betts, the president, purchased football tickets for Linda, myself and my cousins and we visited tailgate parties. Linda and I made it a point to hang out with Jim and Marti Betts during our Ann Arbor stays.

Jim Harbaugh born in Toledo, Ohio was an All-American quarterback for Bo Schembechler. He was a round one draft pick and played for a number of teams in the NFL. He coached in the NFL and was a successful college head coach at San Diego and at Stanford. He became the San Francisco 49ers head coach in 2011 and his 49ers played in the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens coached by his older brother John Harbaugh. Older brother won in a closely fought game.

The University of Michigan were unhappy with their head coach Brady Hoke and when Jim Harbaugh became available, hired him in December, 2014. Jim, at that time was, the Prophet that was going to save the Wolverines and once again beat Ohio State. The last football coach to beat Ohio State was Lloyd Carr who also led the University of Michigan to a national championship. The Savior of Michigan football was hired to lead them from the ashes.

The Prophet was hired to whip Ohio State; whip Michigan State and lead the Wolverines to Big Ten championships. Unfortunately, no Big Ten championships nor wins against Ohio State. One could argue that in 2016, but because of poor officiating, the Wolverines could’ve won that OSU game.

Why has the Prophet failed to beat Ohio State? Could it be poor coaching, not having enough quality players or not developing the players recruited? Well, one might suspect that whatever the reason, Ohio State players have been better than the Wolverine players. One criterion, would be the number of All-American players, the number of NFL players, and the number of first round draft picks per team. The Buckeyes have 51 players on the active roster to start the NFL active 2021 season. Notable players include Trey Semon, Ezekiel Elliott , Joey Bosa, Justin Field and others. The University of Michigan has produced 20 NFL players the past three years. Notable players include Devin Bush, Chase Winovich, Donovan People Jones and others.

Another criteria would be the number of skill position players in the NFL per team. The University of Michigan, under Jim, does not have one starting quarterback in the NFL. I recently watched Justin Field of the Chicago Bears beat the Las Vegas Raiders. In essence, since 2015, Ohio State’s recruiting has been exceptional as evidenced by the number of their former players in the NFL. However, the University of Michigan has one statistic unmatched and considered maybe the best to ever play the game-Tom Brady.

Turning to this season, the Wolverines have played exceptionally well winning all their games except one. They outplayed Michigan State but lost 37-33. The Michigan Wolverines are ranked 5 in The College Football Playoff behind the 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. This season Michigan has prevailed against Wisconsin and Penn State both notable rivals. The showdown between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines is scheduled for tomorrow, November 27.

Historically, the University of Michigan in the last 20 years, has beaten OSU four times. During that time, coaches Lloyd Carr, Rick Rodriguez, Brady Hoke and Jim Harbaugh were Michigan’s coaches. Some might say, like my sister, bring back Bo. However, Bo inherited a recruiting cast from Bump Elliott that included College All-Americans; All-Pro selections; many NFL players and one Hall of Fame member. What about bringing in Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots genius coach. Oh I forgot, Tom Brady was his quarterback. Didn’t Belichick get rid of Brady last year and Belichick’s team missed the playoffs, while Brady won the Super Bowl with a different coach and a different team.

If the Wolverines are victorious, Jim Harbaugh will be on solid ground even though he’s no longer considered the Messiah. If the Wolverines lose, his fate will be like Moses who never found the Promised Land. There has been disappointments and many like my sister Bev and TD are okay with his parting. I have had many conversations with both. With TD, we have been able to talk about the previous defensive coordinator Don Brown and his mishandling the Wolverine secondary. They have been no match for OSU’s wide receivers.  I’m okay with Jim Harbaugh whether he wins or loses against Ohio State. I believe he needs to recruit better. I’m not sure that can happen with Ohio State’s dominance in the polls and in the college football playoffs. Ohio State has been a clear winner and a dominant football power. Will Jim Harbaugh ever beat Ohio State? In any event, Saturday will be a good 3 ½ hour diversion from the significant realities facing this nation.

Successful football teams are composed of players that have mental toughness. Mental refers to football IQ and toughness refers to physicality and skill set. Mike Keller know something about mental toughness as a player and evaluator of football talent at the professional level. To learn more in-depth of his ideas read Chapter 10 Keller 90: Mike Keller.

Go Blue!