One of these days Jim Harbaugh is going to win at the end of the game, on a national stage, against a ranked opponent, on the road.
Or, maybe one of these days he won’t.
Until he does, he’ll remain more hype than anything else.
At this point, how can you argue otherwise?
On Saturday night in South Bend, against No. 11 Notre Dame, Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines looked unprepared and overamped, unable to create running room for its backs or a reliable pocket for its promising new quarterback — Shea Patterson — in a 24-17 loss at Notre Dame Stadium.
And that’s got to change.
As do the penalties and the personal fouls and the disjointedness that looked like they carried over from last year.
Yes, U-M stayed in the game when Notre Dame came close to blowing them out, and Patterson had a chance to tie it late until he fumbled in a crashing pocket.
Harbaugh can work with that kind of fight and spirit. But fight and spirit aren’t enough.
At some point his team has to start making the plays that his rivals keep finding ways to make.
Reactions: Michigan's offensive line softer than toilet paper
Patterson needs playmakers
All the hype isn’t Patterson’s fault. He could’ve scaled the painting of Touchdown Jesus and kissed him on the cheek and that still wouldn’t have been enough Biblical pixie dust to sprinkle on the inconsistent offensive line.
Or heal Tarik Black’s broken foot.
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