Florida Football: 3 takeaways from Gators’ dominant Peach Bowl win over Michigan
By Matt Oglesby
3. Heat for Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor
Jim Harbaugh has done plenty of great things for Michigan football. Since taking over in 2015, Harbaugh has won a lot of games. He is also an elite recruiter, consistently finishing in the top 10.
The prodigal son has returned prominence, buzz, and modernity to a legendary program. But Harbaugh was not hired to win games and play in the New Year’s Six. Harbaugh was hired to bring a national championship to Ann Arbor.
With the Wolverines on the brink this year, the questions surrounding Harbaugh seemed to quiet down. But then came Ohio State and Urban Meyer and The Game.
Those questions will only intensify following an ugly loss to Florida in this year’s Peach Bowl.
Michigan came into the game as six point favorites, with a distinct edge at quarterback. But they were hamstrung by the absence of four critical starters who chose to sit out in preparation for the NFL draft, including impact linebacker Devin Bush, elite run defender Rashan Gary, leading rusher Karan Higdon, and Juwann Bushell-Beatty.
Without Higdon, the Wolverines’ sole 1,000-yard rusher since 2011, pressure increased on Michigan’s passing attack, which isn’t the offense’s strength. Florida’s defense, led by blitz-happy Todd Grantham, made use of pre-snap movement and applied just enough pressure to keep quarterback Shea Patterson off-schedule and out of rhythm.
The Wolverines scored just one touchdown, settling for two field goals and a safety in the second half.