If Jim Harbaugh intends to quiet critics, Michigan football better beat Iowa
Jim Harbaugh can’t swing the narrative of his football season this Saturday in Ann Arbor. He probably needs to beat Ohio State to do that.
But a loss to Iowa at Michigan Stadium would be good business for all the dispensaries in town. Not that I know where they are, or what their hours are, or whether lemon “gummies” go on sale Tuesday or Wednesday.
How dare you!
Besides, I lean toward chocolate.
Two weeks ago in Madison, the Wolverines played as if someone mixed edibles into their pancakes. Last week against Rutgers, they played as if someone mixed Red Bull into their orange juice. This Saturday against Iowa, U-M shouldn’t need anything.
The Hawkeyes are ranked, undefeated, and menacing up front, not unlike the Badgers. Which means that Harbaugh will get a chance to see if his emphasis on physicality in practice the last couple of weeks will make a difference.
Because Iowa is good. And a good test at the right time. Beat the Hawkeyes and the conversation about Harbaugh’s handle on this program quiets.
For now. Or at least until Michigan travels to Penn State in a couple of weeks.
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But lose to Iowa? Or, worse, get manhandled for the second time this season?
Doubt returns. Maybe even resignation.