Things Discussed

• Rashan Gary's bowl game status
• Who will coach receivers
• Harbaugh's impression of Dan Mullen and Florida
• How Michigan comes off the loss at Ohio State

[After THE JUMP: Quintessential Harbaugh]

“We are very happy to be invited to the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. It’ll be our pleasure and our honor to compete in the prestigious Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl against a heck of a good Florida team. And we’ll be preparing to win the football game and great to be in a New Year’s Six Bowl Game.”

 

Have you had any brushes with Dan Mullen, and what’s your familiarity with his ability as a play-caller and putting an offense together?

 

“Somebody who’s very much respected with the profession. Has a tremendous reputation as a football coach. Haven’t had too many brushes with him, but have met him and look forward to competing against his team.”

 

I know you haven’t really looked at what they’re doing but what is your overall impression of the turnaround under him this year with the Gators?

 

“Been very impressive.”

 

Coach Harbaugh, how do you guys plan on avenging your losos that you guys had to Ohio State? How are the players gonna get over that and then you guys are gonna prepare them for this bowl game?

 

“Yeah, our players played a great season. Our coaches have coached a great season. And we’ve overcome every adversity. Nothing changes. Jut means the work isn’t done. And looking forward to the competition in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.”

 

Coach, also, what does this mean for you and you guys to be accepted into the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl?

 

“It’s an honor and a pleasure.”

 

Following along with what was asked, do you have any concern about your team’s state of mind going into this game, as far as so much was put into the Ohio State game and the possibility of getting into the playoff?

 

“As I’ve said, this team has overcome every adversity. Nothing changes. Work just isn’t done yet. And look forward to playing in the ballgame.”

 

And this is a pretty familiar opponent for you, Jim, but with a different coach. Is there anything that you can take from what’s happened previously against the Gators?

 

“Florida Gators are one of the topo teams in college football. Lot of talent, very well-coached team. Caught them on TV a few times. And then we’ll have — as you do at every bowl game — a good amount of preparation time. So look forward first to the competition. And then secondly, how we can see successful.”

 

Does your knowledge of the personnel maybe, that’s been there even though they have a new head coach, does that assist you in any way?

 

“Yeah, I mean, I know some of the guys. Feleipe Franks. I’m sure a lot of the other personnel and names. I know guys I’ve recruited are there. Guys that we’ve competed against are there. Looking forward to watching how they developed and mainly just looking forward to the preparation of the game.”

 

Do you guys know yet if Rashan (Gary) is going to play in the game?

 

“Noo, Rashan won't play in the game.”

 

Do you have anybody else that you’re having conversations with, with that? Or right now is it just Rashan?

 

“Just Rashan.”

 

And are you guys gonna have Roy (Roundtree) coach receivers or are you gonna do something else with Jim (McElwain) moving onto Central (Michigan)?

 

“Ben McDaniels.”

 

Coach Harbaugh, you talked about the competition. Just talk about plating a school from the SEC, who many feel like is the most complete, maybe the best conference in college football

 

“Well, that’s why they play these matchups. To determine that. That’ll be great competitions. And we look forward to it. I think I would add — I know you didn’t really say it — but Jim McElwain, looks like he’s gonna be the next head coach at Central Michigan. I wanna say, I really like Jim a lot. I’m really excited for him. I think it's a great get.”

 

Just as a follow-up, just talk about your defense. They’re the nation’s best defense. Just talk about them and their play during the season

 

“Yeah, we gotta heck of a good defense. And really well-cooached on the defensive side of the ball. We got some really good players. Some All-American players. All-Big Ten players. Really tough, aggressive guys. It’s a fine defense.”