Michigan football: 5 reasons Wolverines finally beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten

1. Might be now or never for Harbaugh

The past four years have been filled with excitement, hype and disappointment. There have been some great wins, but even more painful losses, especially when it matters most.

But now it’s time for Jim Harbaugh to change all that. He has to and if he doesn’t, he might not get another chance.

Don’t mistake what I mean. I don’t mean to say Harbaugh will be fired if he doesn’t beat Ohio State this year. I don’t believe that. But if he is going to get the jump on Ryan Day and be the dominant program in the conference, he and the Wolverines have to assert their authority.

Otherwise, Ohio State will keep winning with recruits and it will keep winning The Game. Will it be easier to beat Ryan Day and Justin Fields in year two? In Columbus? No. And riding an 0-5 record, the pressure on Harbaugh would be unimaginable.

But with a win this year, the tide could turn. A run to the playoff could really place Michigan football among the elite and at least allow it to challenge the Buckeyes for their perch atop the Big Ten.

Harbaugh has been building the Wolverines back into a national power and while there has been progress, it hasn’t been enough. 2019 is the year to change that and if UM can’t get it done, with so many things seemingly working in its favor, it might be the beginning of the end.