Jim Harbaugh has finally built a Michigan team in his image — absolutely ruthless

It took four years, but Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has finally built a team in his own image.

Absolutely ruthless.

“There are so many identities,” Michigan linebacker Josh Uche said, of this team. “Fast. Physical. Angry. Emotional. Greedy.”

Yes, the Wolverines are all of those things.

They don’t just want to play — they want to demolish.

They don’t just want to win — they want to decimate, which is what Michigan did on  Saturday, routing Penn State, 42-7, in the Big House. 

A revenge tour? That might be underselling it. The Wolverines want to crush you and your family and take your lunch money and then make you fall to your knees and rub your nose in it.

Which is Jim Harbaugh personified.

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This team has taken on his personality. His real personality. Not the guy who was doing satellite tours. Not the guy who was doing sleepovers at a recruit's house and creating headlines every time he turned around. That was all for show, trying to get recruits.

The real Jim Harbaugh? He pokes his finger in your eye, trying to run up the score against Penn State.

He’s the guy who says stuff, just to agitate Michigan State.

He couldn't care less. And neither could this team.

It’s a singular focus and mentality that has seeped into every aspect of this team.

“I’m proud of them — put an explanation point on how proud I am,” Harbaugh said, smiling and slamming his fist on the table.

It’s a ruthless mentality that started with some ruthless moves in the off-season, after Harbaugh took a hard look at his program and overhauled part of his coaching staff.

And it has worked out marvelously for the Wolverines, who seem to get better every week, making every game personal.

“Yeah, these are personal,” Harbaugh said. “You are striving for happiness.”

Happiness, to him, is dominating the line of scrimmage and making the other team scream: “We give!”

This is a complete team. A real team. The players talk about a “love” and “brotherhood.” 

All while trying to crush you.

“I love this about our team,” Harbaugh said. “They really like each other, really care for each other.”

Michigan has a fast, angry defense. “The top thing, the most impressive thing to me, is (defensive coordinator) Don Brown,” Harbaugh said, breaking into song. “He’s the king, he’s the king of defensive coordinators.”

This team has an offense that can ram the ball down your throat — nothing in the world makes Harbaugh happier. It has a quarterback who doesn’t turn the ball over and is mobile enough to extend plays.

It has a stud running back and talented wide receivers.

“Everybody is doing their job," Harbaugh said. "I think our guys have confidence in themselves and confidence in their teammates.”

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But it’s more than that. This team has a ruthless mindset, which starts with Harbaugh.

Think back to the Notre Dame loss.

At least one national writer wondered if it was the beginning of the end for Harbaugh, and there was all kinds of pressure on Harbaugh to produce.

Everybody, including myself, was focusing on the fact that he couldn’t beat his rivals.

But now?

After beating Michigan State and demolishing Penn State?

He’s not just beating his rivals.

He’s ramming his success down their throats.

And now, expectations should change.

After the way Ohio State has been playing (including Saturday's nail-biter against two-win Nebraska), Michigan is the clear favorite to win the Big Ten Conference. Anything less would be a massive letdown.

Anything less than a trip to the College Football Playoff would be blowing a tremendous opportunity.

It's more than safe to think about it.

And the way this team is playing, it’s more than possible.

Now remember: Penn State was ranked No.14 in the country.

“We thought that was a really good defensive front, probably as good as Notre Dame's, as good as we have played all year,” Harbaugh said.

And they just handled it with ease.

The Wolverines are getting healthier. Two players who have been hurt, defensive end Rashan Gary and wide receiver Tarik Black, returned for the Wolverines. Neither made a huge impact in this game (Black had a TD catch brought back by penalty) but that’s like a baseball team getting a couple of All-Stars at the trading deadline.

Think about it. 

The nation’s top-ranked defense just added Gary, a preseason All-American who was hurt before the Notre Dame game and missed the last three games.

And this versatile, talented offense just added Black, a tremendous downfield threat who was Michigan's best wide receiver for the first few games of last season.

After Saturday's game, Harbaugh listed about 20 guys who are excelling.

“Everybody is playing so well," Harbaugh said. 

That’s a testament to the coaches, how this team has rebounded after the Notre Dame game.

“Phenomenal play,” Harbaugh said. “It was a really impressive team out there tonight, in all phases.”

Even the crowd was phenomenal. It reminded Harbaugh of the old days. When he was out on the field. There was a spark and sizzle.

I just don't think this team will have a letdown. Not with this this kind of mentality — Harbaugh's mindset.

Absolutely ruthless.