Jim Harbaugh is one of the most polarizing figures in college football right now. He is known for his controversial statements and he just dropped another one. In a recent interview, he bashed the media for overhyping the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.
Jim Harbaugh says that a lot of the “hype” (bad blood) between Michigan and Ohio State is “manufactured for the TV show.”
He adds that it’s “not healthy.” pic.twitter.com/P7N4mFWpqQ
— CJ Mangum (@CMBB90) November 27, 2023
Jim Harbaugh Bashes Media For Michigan-Ohio State Hype
Harbaugh is always thinking of his players. In any statement he gives about the state of college football he is thinking about what is best for the players. He doesn’t think the media is creating a good environment for the players.
“I think that is very manufactured for the TV show people want to see. It’s not healthy for the student-athletes.”
Harbaugh thinks it has gone too far. While it is a storied rivalry, the media hypes it up as a bitter hated matchup and can put some of the athletes in a hostile environment. Fans are passionate and really do not like the other side and Harbaugh is worried about that type of environment for his players.
Something To It?
I get what Harbaugh is saying and I think it is admirable he is looking out for his players but this feels like an empty argument. Media overhyping things? That’s the job of the media. Of course, FOX is going to make this matchup seem tantalizing. They want you to watch it! Also, talk to any fan of Michigan or Ohio State. There is definitely no love for the other side. Former players and coaches have not been shy about how they feel about the rivalry. It isn’t the media that is manufacturing it. The hate from the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry comes from years of huge matchups.
Jim Harbaugh has a point but I think he is a little off base here. Michigan now prepares for the Big Ten Championship against the Iowa Hawkeyes.