Quick recap: Everything Jim Harbaugh said after the loss to Indiana

The Michigan Wolverines fell to 1-2 on the season on Saturday afternoon after a 38-21 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers, which was the first win in the series for the home team since the 1987 season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh took to the podium after the game to address a variety of topics following the defeat.

Here’s a quick recap of what was said:

• On the secondary, Harbaugh (“I love coaching these guys and this team”) says that the preparation has been strong and then they get into the game and there has been a lack of trust in their talent and abilities. “That’s what we’re learning to do as a football team.” Continuing to try and speed that development up as much as possible.
• First half penalties and free plays: “That was something we worked hard on. Was a successful strategy for them.” That’s something that’s got to get fixed.
• Harbaugh does not see the season slipping away and believes that there is another gear to be unlocked if they can take what they do in practice into games. Wants players to start trusting their “innate greatness.”
• On making changes to players/coaching: Harbaugh said they feel like they are close to being successful and that you have to keep coaching.
• Harbaugh is confident that Don Brown can fix the issues on the defensive side of the ball. Says all of his staff works hard and the schemes are good and that they coach the players well. Critical steps need to be made, but feels he has the pieces in place.
• Harbaugh said improvements needs to be made in the run game, but offensive line was shuffled due to injuries. Slow start, playing from behind with dropped passes and forced mistakes contributed to Joe Milton’s effort and struggles on offense today.
• When team doesn’t trust talent: Harbaugh says it is a step you take as a player. Reiterates that it is all about taking that step from practices to the field and that they have to keep coaching them.
• On the togetherness after two losses and maintaining it, Harbaugh says you have to “push forward with toughness.” Staying the course and keep going is the message that is being preached.
• Asked if the two losses in a row are acceptable, Harbaugh says that he is still excited about the team and they will keep coaching and keep moving forward. “They are talented and play extremely hard.”
• Harbaugh says that they will continue to try and put the team in the best possible situation to win. “They are certainly willing, and as coaches you try to fuse that confidence and energy and trust. That’s part of coaching and part of learning.
• On third down woes on both sides of the ball: Penalties were a factor and contributed to that. Situations on defense where they helped to extend drives. On Michigan’s drives, drops and missed throws hurt. “The running game was not really productive.”

Next up for Michigan is a night game at the Big House next Saturday against Wisconsin, assuming that the Badgers are cleared to play in the wake of the COVID outbreak in the program.