Michigan RB Karan Higdon guarantees victory over Ohio State

When Jim Harbaugh was the senior starting quarterback for Michigan back in 1986, he famously guaranteed that the Wolverines would beat rival Ohio State.

A senior on Harbaugh’s 2018 team — running back Karan Higdon — decided to follow his coach’s lead on Monday.

Higdon was asked what Harbaugh would think if one of his players made a guarantee. When Higdon asked for some clarification, a reporter followed up and asked if he would go out on a limb and make the guarantee himself.

Higdon, who is second in the Big Ten with 1,106 rushing yards, looked at teammate Zach Gentry before saying he does indeed guarantee a win over the Buckeyes in Columbus.

“Yeah, I do,” he said, leaning into the microphone. “That’s how I feel. I believe firmly in my brothers and this team and this coaching staff. As a captain, I’ll take that stand. Why not?”

Higdon wasn’t quite as emphatic as his coach — who backed up his guarantee with a 26-24 win — 32 years ago, but the statement will surely raise the level of anticipation for Saturday’s game, which kicks off at noon from Ohio Stadium.

Michigan has yet to beat Ohio State during Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach. In fact, Michigan has beaten its top rival only once (a 40-34 home win in 2011) in the last 14 seasons.

Saturday’s trip to Columbus has massive stakes. Michigan is ranked No. 4 in the country and Ohio State is No. 10. The Big Ten East division crown is on the line with the winner facing Northwestern in the Big Ten title game.

Both teams have one loss already on the year, so the loser will be knocked out of the College Football Playoff race.

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