Jim Harbaugh On Michigan State: 'I'm Worried About Everything'
By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week that he and his team were "working, not worrying." But now, he's flipped his feelings to reflect his nerves for the matchup with Michigan State this weekend.
"I'm worried about everything. I'm worried about a lot of things," he said. "I always feel like it's better to worry and angst about things now at this point in the week than Saturday."
The Spartans are still ranked in the top 10 (No. 7) but have steadily slipped from their No. 2 position earlier in the season. They're 6-0, but have been played several teams close when they probably should have won by multiple touchdowns (they beat Purdue 24-21 and Rutgers 31-24).
Meanwhile, Michigan has ridden its wave of national Harbaugh mania, alongside three straight shutout victories, to a 5-1 record and a No. 12 ranking. The Wolverines are in the top five nationally in most major defensive categories.
"Probably the best eligible players that we've played against and may play against all year," Harbaugh said of MSU's offense. "When you look at the receivers, tight ends, running backs – they just keep coming and coming, all those players that can either run the ball or catch the ball. … They're all a concern."
Harbaugh also had high praise for Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio, who is in his ninth season at the helm.
"There's a lot to worry about," Harbaugh said. "Mark Dantonio is maybe the best of all time – fake a field goal, have a special play, (I've) seen it time and time again successfully. There's a lot of things to be on high alert for and that's one of them."