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Harbaugh Vs. Michigan Rivalry Analysis

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It’s safe to say college football’s Ohio State versus Michigan rivalry was in the doldrums prior to Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh’s return to his alma mater last year. The Buckeyes have dominated Michigan since the turn of the century, winning 12 of the 14 matchups between the two schools from 2001-2014. With a 10-3 record in his first season as Michigan’s head coach, Harbaugh is bringing life back to a rivalry that many consider the best in college football.

Because of Harbaugh’s return to the school he once quarterbacked for, interest in the Buckeyes and Wolverines rivalry was at its highest in nearly a decade last season. Yet, Ohio State continued its dominance over Michigan as Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer welcomed Harbaugh to the rivalry with a 42-13 beatdown in Ann Arbor, Mich. Meyer has revived one of college football’s elite programs since he accepted the Buckeyes’ head coaching duties in 2012, totaling 50 wins …show more content…

4 ranking in the final AP Poll in 2010. He parlayed that prosperity into a Super Bowl appearance as the San Francisco 49ers head coach in 2013, proving that his elite coaching skills translate to any level. With that success comes the clout that has allowed Harbaugh to compete within college football’s most important landscape, the recruiting arena.

College football’s National Signing Day commenced Wednesday, further highlighting Harbaugh’s impact on the recruiting trail. According to seemingly every outlet (ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports, Scout.com), Harbaugh has branded Michigan with a top 10 recruiting class in 2016. Harbaugh’s biggest splash of the day was the commitment of No. 1 overall prospect Rashan Gary, a defensive tackle from New Jersey that was at the top of just about every player rankings

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