Just the facts...and a little perspective

Submitted by MGolem on

Jim Harbaugh played in the AFC Championship, and came one dropped hail mary from playing in the Super Bowl; he was also a pro-bowler the same year.

Jim Harbaugh gave birth to Stanford football as we know it today.

Jim Harbaugh resurrected a moribund 49ers team and came one muffed punt from coaching in back-to-back Super Bowls.

In Jim Harbaugh’s time as the coach at Michigan he has not gone a full season without losing at least one quarterback at some point during the year.

Michigan is one of only two teams in the current top 25 starting a backup quarterback due to injury (Georgia is the other); no other team is starting their third stringer. Michigan is the only team in the top 25 who has played, and won, a game with three different starting quarterbacks.

Now...for a little perspective: In 2013 Jimbo Fisher’s Florida State team was crowned National Champions; they also went 13-1 the next year. His current team, who was in the top 2 to start the season, is 4-6, with a backup quarterback. Two years ago Mark Richt was run out of town at Georgia. This year his Miami team is 10-0 and ranked number 3. Does anyone think Jimbo Fisher forgot how to coach? Does anyone now think Mark Richt is one of the three best coaches in the country?

Anyone who suggests Harbaugh doesn’t know what he is doing, is somehow overrated, or better yet is the “fourth best coach in his own division” is ridiculous.

 

 

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Squash34

November 18th, 2017 at 10:59 PM ^

I love how people take just compare every job like it's apples to oranges. Fisher took over FSU from Bobby b, who retired and was not fired. The program was not at an all time low and did not have huge roster problems leading his team being the youngest team in the country in his 3rd year. Harbaugh took over the program at it's lowest when every single talking head, our rivals and most of this very fanbase thought it would take 4-5 years to rebuild even for a coach as great as Jim.

Joined: 09/13/2016

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Maynard

November 18th, 2017 at 11:20 PM ^

Fisher took over a team that was 7-6 in 3 of the 4 previous seasons. If you are going to make an argument, please know what the hell you're talking about. They were unranked 3 of those seasons and barely ranked the other at 21.

It had huge roster problems and was facing the lowest it had been since the 70s. 

At least look the shit up before you make such claims.

Joined: 02/19/2016

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Maynard

November 18th, 2017 at 11:46 PM ^

In fairness to you, you're absolutely right that the recruiting is sort of night and day different between the two. Florida St. has been good for so many years for the most part and that area they are in is prime for being able to pick off recruits from just about everywhere down there. So don't mistake me, I am a huge Harbaugh fan and I think he is right there with the rest of the big ones. And let's be honest, he is the best we're going to get, someone who fits everything we wanted. I am the last one who wants to run him out of town. 

Joined: 02/19/2016

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Squash34

November 19th, 2017 at 12:51 AM ^

I did not really think you wanted harbaugh out. I took it as he does not have the resume as Fischer. I just think you have to take a complete rebuild of programs differently than taking over a more stable program in one of the best recruiting hotbeds in America. I am not sure how I forgot Bowden staying around about 5 years to late. However, I did and thought Fischer took over around 2007. Those last 4 years where FSU was "down" they were still decent or respectable. Whereas, the time between Carr and harbaugh were a pile of steamy shit. Plus, Fischer was promoted from with in so he was familiar with the roster, and maybe more importantly, with the recruits and high school coaches in the area. So, he did walk into a much better spot. Although, it was not as good a spot as Meyers took over at MSU one year removed from tressel. I am just not sure how many coaches take over that 2015 Michigan team and make it a ten win team. Sure, there was talent on the roster. But the program was pretty broken.

Joined: 09/13/2016

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Jevablue

November 18th, 2017 at 10:08 PM ^

Peters gets pile driven to the ground in a defenseless position and no penalty.  Then Wiscy gets a free first down for virtually nothing at all on a PI where M had them stopped inside or about their own 10. And why again if we have the technology to show that DPJ's in bound foot got down first, which it did, can we not use it? 

And you think that those fucks from Delaney on down are going to do anything to "tarnish" what is left of their marquee matechup between 2-loss OSU and Wisconsin? Really?  Think of Michigan as a nice piece of dead meat next week.  If it is a blowout, sure, no problem for the officials.  If it is close expect more of the shit we got from Capron and Bobby Sagers, et al last year.  Maybe it will be the O'Neil crowd  this time. Who gives a fuck?

Follow the fucking money, their might be a lot less for Jimmy D if M wins next week, and God help OSU against W if for some reason they do.

The WWF at least does not try to hide the pretense. 

Joined: 11/05/2011

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Occam's Razor

November 18th, 2017 at 10:33 PM ^

Idk what's more funny the apologists or tin foil conspiracists who think the B1G has it out for Michigan, one of its two marquee programs. 

Refs don't like Harbaugh because of his past side line tantrums. That's a given. It's not some grand conspiracy Jesus. 

 

You don't think the B1G makes as much money if Michigan goes to the playoff instead of OSU? 

Come on fam. 

 

 

Joined: 10/23/2017

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You Only Live Twice

November 19th, 2017 at 12:37 AM ^

You say that the refs don't like Harbaugh because of his "past side line tantrums."  So you admit the refs have something against Harbaugh.  Welcome to our conspiracy!

Now, let's go with this.  Why do the refs not exercise the same, let's call it, discretion, against other coaches?  Other coaches have done the same or worse.  You have only to look at this season, and last season, for well publicized examples.

Finally, sure the B1G makes money as long as someone is in.  Delaney will definitely do everything in his power to make sure that isn't Michigan.  He gets the best of both worlds, he gets to milk that cash cow AND screw Michigan at the same time.    And it's not because of Harbaugh.  Delaney has hated Michigan since Bo called him out on his game fixing shit.  

Joined: 09/14/2013

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OldBlueVa

November 18th, 2017 at 10:08 PM ^

Aaron Bailey was the Colts receiver who almost made the catch.

Only time I can remember being at a game and not knowing who won (albeit only for a few seconds) after it ended.

Joined: 11/21/2009

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Wolverdirt

November 18th, 2017 at 10:08 PM ^

to deflate from the ire I was feeling from viewing yet another disappointing outcome, I have to agree with much of what you say.  Certainly do not want to point a finger at these young athletes who no doubt want to win and have sacrificed much in the process.  I come away with a feeling that this team just isn't hard enough or has the moxy to pull out a big win.  It's a learned behavior I think and they just need that one break through for it to snowball into a regular thing.  We don't live in a black and white world, lot's of gray areas for sure and a lot of intricacies have played a role in the Harbaugh led teams to not yet reach their full potential.  I do think brighter days are ahead.  It just fucking sucks when your neighbors are asshole Spartan and Buckeye fans.  We have lost a full generation of UM diehards due to the mostly debacle that has been UM football since the Horror.  I say stay the course and better days are ahead.  Those who stay will be champions.  Believe it!

Joined: 09/23/2016

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SpazCarpenter

November 18th, 2017 at 10:10 PM ^

JH has some more work to do and I love him being Michigan's head coach...

I've had enough with this "One dropped hail mary" and "almost" bullshit. If ya let a game come down to the wire or a single play it was already lost. Take Mitch McGary's notes (while he took tokes, from the...eh) and WIN THE GAME.

And then the next one. Rinse and repeat until a championship is won. I'm down for "edging" in some things I do, but in football close to a win don't mean shit.

Go Blue. Let's act like men and take it on the chin. Do we really need some fucking counseling boys? Nah. We are vicious fucking animals with a thorn in our paw. We will be aight, aight?

Aight.

And this is me sober.

Joined: 06/09/2015

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SFBlue

November 18th, 2017 at 10:12 PM ^

JH has underperformed versus the expectations he has built by turning the program around so quickly, and versus the historic average for this year only.

That is what it is but he is still our guy. He has recruited very well and with an elite QB he has a conference title and playoff appeared.

Joined: 11/02/2009

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Squash34

November 19th, 2017 at 1:09 AM ^

The crazy thing is most people had the team in the 8-4 or 9-3 range before the year because of all the turnover from last year's team and that the replacements are largely first or second year guys. Yet, people are still losing their minds because their predictions are accurate.

Joined: 09/13/2016

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kevbo1

November 18th, 2017 at 10:13 PM ^

a .500 record or worse in a year, I will begin to worry. We've basically beaten most teams we should have, and most of the losses have been flukey or under 4 points. It's only a matter of time until those close losses turn into wins.

Joined: 11/12/2017

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Tuebor

November 18th, 2017 at 10:19 PM ^

Reminds me of 2012 where we beat everyone we should have and lost to teams that were good. Oh yeah we had a qb injury that year too. We need the oline to take a major step forward. Ruiz and filigia have to pan out. Those two cant be busts.

Joined: 03/14/2011

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Hail Harbo

November 18th, 2017 at 10:38 PM ^

Harbaugh wasn't hired to beat who we should be beat, he was hired to beat every team played.  What does that mean anyway, "teams we should beat?"  We should beat Purdue, Indiana, and Rugters, and coin flips with Maryland, Northwestern, and Minnesota?  Do you find it the least bit disoncerting that Michigan hasn't beaten a team with a winning record in nearly 14 months?  Ironically that team was Wisconsin on 10/1/16.

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Tuebor

November 18th, 2017 at 11:25 PM ^

I think it has to do with hindsight. As teams approach their final records michigan doesnt have a "bad loss". We dont have any good wins either though. Although one of purdue and indiana will go bowling!

Joined: 03/14/2011

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Bluenin

November 18th, 2017 at 10:15 PM ^

Do some of you suggest that we blow it up and start over again for the fourth time in 10 years?? Ask Nebraska how that’s going for them!

Joined: 09/19/2017

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Fezzik

November 19th, 2017 at 12:13 AM ^

Hell no. But the offense needs to be revamped. Having essentially the whole offensive line suck at pass blocking in year 3 of Harbaugh is inexcusable. If it was only one guy that's ok. But when both sides of the line can't pick up common stunts you have a serious problem. The receivers are soft. They don't get open or make tough catches. Speight's regression...what the hell happened there? The offensive game plan we installed in the off-season was a huge swing and miss. Pep should go. Having a power run OL coach and a zone OL coach both coaching the OL might be hurting more than helping. Drevno is not a creative offensive mind. I'd like him to stick with OL only. Him and/or Frey need to improve pass blocking or we need someone who can. We need an actual WR coach. Don Brown is a grand slam coordinator hire. We need a offensive coordinator who is at least a triple. Preferably a creative guy who isn't a one scheme only kinda coach.

Joined: 09/11/2015

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ShruteBeetFarms

November 18th, 2017 at 10:18 PM ^

Let's compile a list of other great coaches that can replace Harbaugh since he obviously has lost the ability to coach.

Butch Jones - impressive opening overtime win against GT and makes his players life champs

Brady Hoke- energized the Tennessee team to a decent first half against LSU

Jim Mora Jr- looking to make UCLA bowl eligible with a win over USC. A lesser man wouldn't be able to recruit to sunny LA 

Mike Riley- the guy is so much more polite than Jim Harbaugh

 

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B1G Winning

November 18th, 2017 at 10:17 PM ^

1-6 vs top 10 teams (1-7 if they lose next week) 1-4 vs Rivals (1-5 if they lose next week) October 1st, 2016 was the last win against a team with a winning record.

Joined: 11/08/2013

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Occam's Razor

November 18th, 2017 at 10:26 PM ^

No one is saying "fire Jim Harbaugh" you dumbass. 

People are saying it's beyond due for some upset wins that "elite" coaches tend to spring on down years or early in their tenures at programs. 

Harbaugh has no signature victory this year and even has an embarrassing loss to MSU who NOBODY saw coming this year. Nobody. 

After the terrible offense put on display this year, there needs to be some kind of coaching change on that side of the ball. 

These issues are systemic and are not improving which is a sign of coaching at this point, not youth. 

 

Joined: 10/23/2017

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MGolem

November 18th, 2017 at 10:57 PM ^

And it isn't just injuries. It is a combination. Our roster 1-22 is top ten. But our backups are not up to that standard. For example, we have arguably the best duo of corners in the Big Ten, they are both second year players which is pretty amazing as it is. Unfortunately, their backups (aside from part time starter Watson) are true freshman. LeVert Hill missing today's game was huge because while Jaylen Kelly-Powell had at least one solid coverage snap, he got roasted on a huge pass play on I believe 3rd and 16 or something.

To be a great team, one that can overcome injuries, you have to have solid contributors behind the starters in case the starters go down. We have lost a ton of games played to various starter injuries and our lack of depth has showed. That won't be the case so much next year because so many young guys are playing, but it is a real issue this year. And, I might add, many people, including the propietors of this site, made this same proclamation. We are talented, but we arent' deep...yet

Joined: 10/14/2010

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Sideline

November 18th, 2017 at 10:18 PM ^

Anyone who thinks he’s overrated has unrealistic expectations. Michigan is in FINE hands. If anything, Harbaugh over-performed in his first two years... he’s made this Brand and this team stronger. The O-Line has definitely improved, the defense is showing its youth/inexperience as well as potential... and it’s STILL a top defense. Could you imagine this defense with Gary as a senior? If you think he’s overrated, just watch Stanford and watch how they became significant in college football with a 4-year foundation. As Savanna says, follow “the process”.

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