Michigan is 'Locked In' Heading Into Saturday's Matchup With Ohio State

Michigan went into College Park as big favorites and it appeared the Wolverines were going to win going away. Michigan got out to a 23-3 lead, but the Terrapins wouldn't quit and the Wolverines struggled to keep Maryland at bay.

Some would say it was an unusual day in the office from Michigan. It took two Mike Sainristil interceptions, two safeties, and a scoop-n-score touchdown from Derrick Moore for the Wolverines to come out on top.

But when the clock hit 0:00, the Wolverines won 31-24, moved to 11-0, and officially had 1,000 wins.

For the second game in a row, Jim Harbaugh would sit in the team's hotel watching the game on TV. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore was the acting head coach, and while the team is going to celebrate the monumental accomplishment of winning No. 1,000 -- Michigan knows what's next. Rival Ohio State.

“Ecstatic to get that 1,000th win, but they all knew exactly what time it was right after that,” said Moore after the game. “They all know what's ahead. Excited for that challenge.”

Michigan has been preparing for Ohio State all season. The Wolverines have special times throughout practice that are strictly focused on the Buckeyes. Dating back to 2021, Michigan has a 'Beat Ohio' drill. But now that Maryland is out of the way, the Wolverines can focus solely on Ohio State.

“Individually, I know a lot of guys have watched film throughout the season," stated running back Blake Corum. "But we’re locked in locked in (now). Best believe that on the plane home and tomorrow and the rest of the week.”

Michigan has said all the right things. Every game matters and prepare for every game like it's Ohio State. But this Maryland game has similar feelings to last season's win over Illinois. Both games came down to the wire and both games were played right before The Game.

“Now that we're able to finally shift our focus to Ohio State, everything is going into this game," said defensive back Mike Sainristil. "This is where a championship can be won, and hopes for the playoffs, Big Ten Championship is all going into this game. So, can't wait for that opportunity next Saturday."

The Wolverines and Buckeyes enter the game undefeated for the second year in a row. But it hasn't been all sunshine for this Michigan program. Harbaugh won't be on the sidelines for next week's game against Ohio State and the Wolverines just fired linebackers coach Chris Partridge on Friday.

The Michigan players have faced plenty of adversity this season and the Wolverines are as battle-tested as anyone.

“We all know what time it is,” said linebacker Michael Barrett. “Once this game was over, we knew where our attention was gonna go. It feels great to be a part of this kind of game, you know, coming into the game undefeated with everything going on, you know, just showing how this team's able to face adversity, work through adversity. Keep that one-track mind that we've been preaching all year. Just being able to be here at this point, it's a great feeling.”

The Wolverines have defeated Ohio State in back-to-back seasons and win No. 1,001 would feel even sweeter than win No. 1,000.

Michigan and Ohio State will kick off on Saturday, November 25 at Noon ET and The Game will air on Fox.

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