Getty Image / Ed Zurga
Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has been claiming that his team is America’s team, despite the program being embroiled in controversy over a sign-stealing scandal that has engulfed the program and led him to serving a three-game suspension, which is ongoing. And, after Missouri smashed Arkansas 48-14, Mizzou coach Eliah Drinkwitz claims that his squad should really be America’s team.
Take a look at what he said, courtesy of Brandon Marcello.
“Earlier in the week I heard a coach talk about being America’s team. I don’t know about all that conversation. They’ve got so many different good things going for them: some good, some maybe they stole illegally. We’re America’s team. We’re a team built on underdogs. We’re a team built on young men with something to prove.
“We got a Division II transfer running back who’s leading the SEC in rushing. We got a bunch of fighters. Our quarterback has been fighting his whole life to earn an opportunity to play the way he does. We got offensive linemen who just play for each other. I mean, we’re the story that the people should be really proud to be behind. I’m just proud to coach this football team and it ain’t about me. It’s really about building a brotherhood, those guys coming together, those coaches in there coaching their butt off for each other. That’s what America is all about: people coming together.”
Whoa. Elijah Drinkwitz came out swinging. That’s something you can do when you’ve led Missouri to a fantastic 10-2 season that almost certainly will have them playing in a New Years’ Six Bowl. And, Drinkwitz has always been pretty outspoken, so this isn’t super out of character for him.
But, he went right at Michigan with the comment about stealing some things illegally. Not many coaches in the country have been that pointed with their language regarding Michigan, even though most of them have been asked. Credit to Drinkwitz for having the stones to be that blunt.
And, as far as talking about his own team, the Tigers are really a great story. Drinkwitz was considered to be on the hot seat coming into this year, but he’s led them to an outstanding 10-2 season.
But, that is going to be overshadowed with the shot at Harbaugh and Michigan. The #3 Wolverines play #2 Ohio State on Saturday in arguably biggest game of the year.