This is exactly the type of game Jim Harbaugh was hired to win. When Michigan hired Harbaugh, the NFC-winning coach of the 49ers, to lead his alma mater, it was envisioning that he would win the games against rival Ohio State and steer the program to national relevance.
That hasn’t exactly always been the case. Much of Harbaugh’s Michigan tenure was marred by inexplicable losses early in the season, and finishing the year with losses both to in-state foe Michigan State and to Big Ten behemoth Ohio State.
Harbaugh is working to change that narrative, having gotten over the hump last year and reaching the College Football Playoff. But if Harbaugh is going to erase the struggles the program faced early in his tenure, his overall record against Ohio State is going to have to improve. That could be easier said than done on Saturday, when No. 3 Michigan hits the road to face No. 2 Ohio State with a spot in the College Football Playoff and Big Ten Championship game on the line.
How has Harbaugh fared overall in his career against the Buckeyes, and the rest of the Big Ten? The Sporting News takes a look.
MORE: Revisiting the Wolverines’ 2000 win at The Shoe
Jim Harbaugh record vs. Ohio State
Harbaugh can officially add a one to the left-hand column of his record against the Buckeyes.
In 2021, Michigan beat Ohio State 42-27, bringing Harbaugh’s overall record vs. Ohio State to 1-5.
For the most part, Ohio State has trounced Harbaugh’s Michigan teams. In the six meetings between the two teams since Harbaugh took over, the Buckeyes have collectively outscored Michigan by 80 points. Between Michigan’s win and Ohio State’s five, only one game — the 2016 showdown between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan — ended in a one-score game, with Curtis Samuel scoring a walk-off touchdown in double overtime to give Ohio State the 30-27 win.
Here’s a look at the history of the games between the two teams since Harbaugh took over.
| Year | Score |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 42-13, Ohio State |
| 2016 | 30-27, Ohio State |
| 2017 | 31-20, Ohio State |
| 2018 | 62-39, Ohio State |
| 2019 | 56-27, Ohio State |
| 2021 | 42-27, Michigan |
Has Jim Harbaugh beaten Ohio State?
If there is a turning point for Harbaugh’s time in Michigan, it has to start with the win in 2021.
Facing No. 2 Ohio State and Heisman Trophy finalist C.J. Stroud, the Wolverines scored 28 second-half points, with Hassan Haskins running all over the Buckeyes defense for five touchdowns and 169 yards with 28 carries.
The win marked the first time Harbaugh has beaten Ohio State in his career at the helm of Michigan.
Jim Harbaugh record vs. Big Ten teams
Ohio State has been the root of the problems for Harbaugh in the Big Ten, but otherwise, he has put together a solid showing against conference foes.
In Harbaugh’s career coaching Michigan, the Wolverines are 51-17 in Big Ten games. He is undefeated against Rutgers (8-0), Maryland (7-0), Northwestern (3-0), Nebraska (3-0), Minnesota (3-0), Illinois (3-0) and Purdue (1-0).
Outside of Ohio State, Harbaugh has had the most issues against Michigan State. The Wolverines are an even 4-4 against the Spartans under Harbaugh.
Harbaugh has perhaps struggled more than expected against ranked teams overall. His teams are 15-18 against ranked opponents and 11-13 against ranked Big Ten teams.
As for home or away, it typically hasn’t mattered too much. Against Big Ten teams, Harbaugh has a career record of 27-8 at home and 24-9 on the road.
Here’s a look at the full history of Harbaugh’s coaching career, with options to sort by team, conference, season and home or away games.
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