Ohio State Football: By the numbers, this may not be Michigan’s year

Many think this will be the year Michigan will defeat Ohio State. However, they should look at the past before getting overconfident with that pick.

There has been a lot of talk during the offseason this could be the year Jim Harbaugh could get his first win over Ohio State as Michigan’s head coach now that Urban Meyer retired. Those who are confident this is his year may want to look at the past before placing a wager.

I’m a number cruncher who realizes past results don’t guarantee future ones. However, often they are a good indication of what may happen.

If that’s the case, coach Harbaugh may be 0-5 vs. the Buckeyes at the end of the season.

Let’s look at the Wolverines’ situation since 2001 first. They have had four coaches during that time and here are their records in “The Game”.

• Loyd Carr:  1-6
• Rich Rodriquez:  0-3
• Brady Hoke:  1-3
• Jim Harbaugh:  0-4

Now for Harbaugh’s record as head coach at the FBS level.

You have to give credit to coach Harbaugh for bringing back Stanford football, and the Cardinals were 12-1 his final season. However, he never won a Pac 12 title.

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He has had plenty of success during his four years at Michigan and has a 38-14 record. His team tied for 1st in the Big Ten East last season with Ohio State, but the Wolverines have yet to play for the Big Ten Championship with coach Harbaugh at the helm.

It’s interesting many think this could be his year because Urban Meyer left and Ryan Day stepped in. Michigan is 1-2 against first year Ohio State head coaches in the 21st century.

The only win for the Wolverines came when Luke Fickell was the interim head coach and the Buckeye football program was in turmoil. A 40-34 victory against a team that lost seven games that season wasn’t overly impressive.

Anybody who wants to bet on Michigan defeating Ohio State, playing for the Big Ten Championship and possibly making the College Football Playoff go for it. For me, the numbers don’t add up so I’ll hold onto my money.