Michigan football's Jim Harbaugh 'excited' for Ohio State: 'Ready for the challenge'

Orion Sang | Detroit Free Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Jim Harbaugh on why Michigan football is playing better Michigan Wolverines football coach Jim Harbaugh speaks to the media on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, in Ann Arbor.

Here's what Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh had to say ahead of his team's game against Ohio State (noon Saturday, Fox).

On the rivalry

“We’re very aware of the rivalry, having played in it, having coached in it. I grew up here. My dad was a coach. As I liken the Michigan State game to a state championship, this is even bigger. This is two states’ championship — Michigan and Ohio. We’re excited about it. Our feelings about it, if you’re asking that, we’re excited. My feelings, I’m excited for the game. Up for it and ready for the challenge.”

More from Harbaugh: Michigan football news conference recap

On Ohio State

“The Ohio State team is a heckuva good football team. Ryan Day and his entire staff have done an outstanding job coaching the team. One of the best defenses in the country, one of the best offenses in the country. They play really well on special teams. Position by position, they’ve done an extraordinary job developing this team.”

More: U-M opens as 10-point home underdog against Ohio State

On Justin Fields

“Justin Fields has had a tremendous year. Playing winning football at all times. Really athletic, runs the ball extremely well. Gets a lane, gets a throw, he’ll make the throw. Also when there’s a lane he’ll escape and do damage with himself running the football.”

More on U-M: How the defense got ready for chance at payback vs. Ohio State

On Chase Young

“He’s a tremendous football player. Extremely athletic. Very physical. Shows up at the ball. And he’s a tremendous pass rusher.”

Oral history: Michigan's greatest upset of Ohio State: OSU 'ain't (bleep)'

More on Ohio State's coaching staff

“I think Ryan Day’s done a tremendous job and his coaching staff has done a tremendous job of coaching this team. ... It’s a challenge in terms of the preparation during the week. We’ve been doing it. We’ve been attacking it. Feel confident right now, feel good, and excited to get on the field and practice.”

More on Wolverines: Will safety Brad Hawkins play against Ohio State? 'Don't know'

Contact Orion Sang at osang@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @orion_sang. Read more on the Michigan Wolverines and sign up for our Wolverines newsletter.