Ohio State football: Thank you, Jim Harbaugh and Cade McNamara

I’ve often joked the favorite musical group of Michigan Men is 80’s synth-pop band Talk Talk. Why? Because Michigan Men love to talk. It’s what they do best. Every year, some noted Michigan Man opens his mouth and provides bulletin board material for the Ohio State football team. This year is no exception. All of Buckeye Nation should smile and say, “Thank you, Jim Harbaugh.”

The Michigan head coach told the Inside Michigan Football radio show,

"“I see it in their eyes. I hear the power in their voices. I see the confidence in their eyes. I think we’re all feeding off of each other like that. When I look at them, it feels like I’m looking in the mirror. I see the same confidence in them that I’m feeling inside of me.”"

Now, that may not seem like much to most, but athletes don’t appreciate opponents talking about how confident they are entering a game. I don’t doubt this has already made its way through the Ohio State Football team’s locker room.

The good news for Buckeye Nation is the talk doesn’t end with the Harbaugh. Quarterback Cade McNamara had this to say when asked about moving the ball against an improved Ohio State defense,

"“I wouldn’t say I’m very concerned about anything. I’d say we’re looking to take advantage of Ohio State. As the week progresses, we’re gonna find ways to do that. I know this offense is going to be very confident going into this game.”"

He’s not concerned about anything??!! Don’t you just want to high five him and and say, “atta boy!”? Hopefully, Ryan Day dangles that one in front of Haskell Garrett right up until kickoff. Hey Cade, got any other gems you want to spit out?! We’ll take all ya got.

I’ve seen comments from those saying these quotes are nothing and a player should not need to resort to this type of thing to motivate them. Opinions like that usually come from those who never competed. Athletes will take even the smallest thing and use it as motivation. Harbaugh and McNamara are adding fuel to the Buckeyes’ fire.

We had not heard anything from them all year. I knew we would eventually and they didn’t disappoint. Michigan Men love to talk…and talk…and talk.