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Michigan football head coach details team mentality heading into MSU game

Michigan football has a unique mentality for the Michigan State game and beyond.

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Michigan football, Jim Harbaugh, Michigan State
© Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh has his Wolverines playing their best ball right now. Since the start of the 2021 season, the Maize and Blue are 32-3 with two Big Ten titles, two CFP appearances, and much more — this weekend, Michigan looks to add a 33rd win to that total, claiming yet another victory over the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing. Today, Harbaugh gave insight into his team’s unique mentality heading into the MSU game on Saturday.

Michigan football head coach details team mentality heading into MSU game

For the first time under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan football will be facing Michigan State in a night game at Spartan Stadium. After last year’s tunnel fights, you would think that this game would mean more for Michigan; however, Harbaugh says that his team has the same unique mentality that it has always had. He calls it a “November mentality.”

“I mean, these are huge games,” Jim Harbaugh said on Monday. “Every single week. I mean, there’s definitely a November mentality. You know, that’s when you’re in a chase for the championship. You’re in a run for the championship. They’re decided in November if you’ve put yourself in a position to be in position (for a title).

“So yeah, when all the leaves are brown, and the skies are gray, that’s when the championships get decided. But November is here for us. It’s here for us now. Playing in this big game, this big rivalry game, this in-state game, this Big Ten game, and then we’ll have a bye, and then the rest of our games will be in November. So the time is now.”

Harbaugh added that, regardless of record, the Michigan State Spartans are a tough team to beat.

“Yeah, super tough,” Jim Harbaugh said when asked about Michigan State. “You know, it was evidenced this past week. I mean, I think it’s a tough team. I think Coach Barnett has got them playing really well and got them on the move. And it’s for the state championship game. We expect one heck of a football game and get prepared for it.”

Michigan State will be going all-out against Michigan

Michigan State is coming off of an ugly loss — the Spartans just blew a large lead against Rutgers, falling to 2-4 (0-3 Big Ten) on the year so far. While MSU doesn’t look like a threat, we all know that Mark Dantonio and Michigan State will bring their best against Michigan football this weekend, so the Wolverines need to come in focused and ready.

Blake Corum also added today that Michigan football is ready to lay it all on the field — the team gets a Week 9 bye, so the Wolverines are ready to go all out in hope of starting the year with an 8-0 record.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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