In the wake of Ohio State's defeat to Michigan in Ann Arbor by a 30-24 final score, interim Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore entered his postgame press conference alongside a trio of his victorious players. The group all entered wearing hats celebrating a third straight Big Ten East title.
That happened after Moore — in the win's immediate aftermath on the field of The Big House — referred to the school he loves as "Michigan University."
"Coach Harbaugh, we got your back. We love you. That was for you." @JennyTaft is with @UMichFootball Interim Head Coach Sherrone Moore after they beat Ohio State at The Big House pic.twitter.com/QDc5iOuhIK
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2023
As for the presser, Moore kept most of his comments focused on Michigan's own success rather than Ohio State's shortcomings in the latest installment of The Game. He felt the lack of hesitation from the Wolverines on each side of the ball proved key in setting a tone of toughness and resilience for all four quarters.
“We always talk about 'don't flinch,' and our guys never flinch regardless of the situation.”– SHERRONE MOORE ON THE MENTALITY OF HIS FOOTBALL TEAM
Since taking over as interim coach during Jim Harbaugh's suspension, Moore has made frequent attempts towards conversions on 4th down a major part of Michigan's identity. The Wolverines went 3-3 on 4th down against Ohio State, and are 7-7 in those situations going back to Michigan's win over Penn State.
“When you have confidence that they’re going to execute at a high level, it feels like first down.”– SHERRONE MOORE ON HIS EAGERNESS TO ATTEMPT 4TH DOWN CONVERSIONS
Later in the press conference, Moore finally received questions about how this win affects the perception of Michigan football relative to the ongoing sign-stealing scandal and other investigative controversies swirling around the Wolverines. The interim head coach held a small smile on his face as he provided a very guarded answer before pivoting back to focus on Michigan's success.
“A lot of thoughts and things I would love to say. All I know is this team is as good as any team in the country and they prove it every week.”– SHERRONE MOORE ON MICHIGAN FOOTBALL'S VARIOUS SCANDALS
Moore made it clear that the Wolverines had no doubt in their minds about earning a third win over Ohio State. Michigan's interim head coach made it clear that his team had greater aspirations, but that they knew the Buckeyes would stand in their way, and that beating OSU had to be a leading goal alongside championship aspirations.
“EXPECTED TO WIN. We’re not satisfied with just winning. We have bigger goals.… These guys have earned that opportunity.”– SHERRONE MOORE ON HIS TEAM'S EXPECTATIONS
In speaking on how Harbaugh worked to have an impact on the team despite not being present for The Game itself this year, J.J. McCarthy recalled the speech Michigan's absentee head coach gave to his team the night before. The Wolverines' QB noted how Harbaugh's words echoed the sentiments of Bo Schembechler's famous "The Team, the Team, the Team" speech.
Per JJ McCarthy, Jim Harbaughs message to the players last night was a play on The Team, the Team, the Team speech.
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) November 25, 2023
He told us we are THAT team, and that we should believe it and play like it.
Moore later directly called back to those comments from Schembechler and Harbaugh in praising the caliber of his players.
“You talk about The Team, The Team, The Team. Team 144 is the ultimate team.”– SHERRONE MOORE ON MICHIGAN'S PROMINENCE
Most of the Wolverine players had more to say on Harbaugh than Moore himself. However, even in the biggest moment of his coaching career with Michigan's leading man far from the sideline, Moore did not hesitate to credit the face of the Wolverine football program.
“We got his back. The players would run through a wall for him and the coaches too.”– SHERRONE MOORE ON JIM HARBAUGH
Michigan now advances to the Big Ten Championship Game next week, when the Wolverines will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes for a chance at their third conference title in a row. After suffering their first loss of the year, but third straight to Michigan at the end of the regular season, the Buckeyes no longer control their fate in the College Football Playoff race as bowl season looms.
- #2 Ohio State 24, #3 Michigan 30
- • The Drought Continues
- • Defense Not Up to Standard in 2nd Half
- • McCord's Early Mistake Proves Costly
- • Marv Breaks OSU Record For 100-Yard Games
- • Ohio State Postgame • Michigan Postgame • Photos
- • Five Things • Social Reax
