Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is in the midst of an arms race in the Big Ten, where conference titles hinge on the points of capable offenses but are claimed with the arms of suffocating defenses—the blueprint for such success lies 65 miles to the northwest of Ann Arbor in East Lansing.
Known for innovative and unique coaching tactics, Harbaugh doesn’t need to copy or mimic anyone’s styles or methods. However, he’s a football guy to the core. He knows what works, too. Coach Mark Dantonio's defensive staff has something going at Michigan State worth—at the very least—emulating in some way.