Recapping Jim Harbaugh’s post-Ohio State appearance on ‘Inside Michigan Football’

While he might not have been on the sidelines for Michigan’s 30-24 win over Ohio State on Saturday, head football coach Jim Harbaugh made his weekly appearance on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show on Monday night. He spoke about what impressed him in the big win, including which players and units stood out the most.

Here’s a brief recap of everything the head coach had to say:

• Harbaugh began his appearance by taking some time to talk about interim head coach Sherrone Moore. Of Moore’s responsibilities, Harbaugh said that, “To coach the offensive line, and to call plays is more than anyone should have to do.” Moore has done these things over the last three weeks while also carrying out the responsibilities of the head coach, which Harbaugh mentioned as also contributing to his high opinion of Moore. Additionally, Harbaugh spoke highly of Moore’s execution of the game plan, saying that he, “Wouldn’t have changed a thing that he did in that game.”
• One of the units that stood out the most during the game was Michigan’s secondary. While Marvin Harrison Jr. was able to still have a respectable game, guys like Will Johnson and Mike Sainristil were still able to hold their own. Harbaugh shouted out both of those guys for their play during the game, and also gave a nod to safety Quinten Johnson for the play he made on Emeka Egbuka to break up a pass and prevent a big play.
• Harbaugh also took a moment to praise Sainristil individually for his contributions to the team on the field and in the locker room: “He is infectious — he’s a stalwart as a player and a leader.”
• Another group that impressed Harbaugh was the defensive line. Harbaugh specifically pointed out Kris Jenkins, saying he had a, “Monster game,” but also gave shoutouts to Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Jaylen Harrell and Josaiah Stewart. Of the defense as a whole, Harbaugh said, “The defense was rugged, limited their run game, we made them drive the ball the entire game, nothing was coming easy.”
• The offense certainly made some plays in order to secure the victory. Unsurprisingly, Harbaugh mentioned it was, “A great game by J.J. McCarthy,” but he also had some high praise for tight end Colston Loveland, stating, “He’s our Travis Kelce — a shining star and a great player,” which has certainly been evident throughout the second half of the season.
• On the downside, Michigan did lose one of its best players and leaders in right guard Zak Zinter, who left the game in the third quarter after fracturing his tibia and fibula. Of Zinter’s injury, Harbaugh mentioned he was impressed with how the senior handled it: “A lesser man would’ve been showing some real reaction to that pain.” On a postive note, however, Harbaugh mentioned he was excited to see what Trente Jones can do now that he will have the chance to get some more playing time, and how Karsen Barnhart will be able to showcase his versatility by playing guard.
• Finally, the special teams unit came up big to help get the win. One of Michigan’s stars on Saturday was Louisville transfer James Turner, who made three field goals in the game. Turner’s contributions sure didn’t go unnoticed by Harbaugh, as he stated, “I’m not the maker of the Michigan Man list, but I’m nominating him.”