The number seven has great significance as it relates to the Bible. Some regard it as the number of completeness, but that’s merely scratching the surface. The word “created” is mentioned seven times in Genesis regarding the world’s creation. Seven can also refer to the seventh day, which God rested after he created said world. The number has countless meanings. In the case of Jim Harbaugh, however, seven for him is along the lines of what it meant for Solomon. It took Solomon seven years to build his temple. 

And it took Harbaugh that much time to finally build his. 

After seven years of being the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football coach at the University of Michigan, it finally happened for Jim Harbaugh. On a snowy day in Ann Arbor, Michigan defeated Ohio St., 42-27, snapping an eight-game losing streak to the Buckeyes.

“The Game,” for Michigan fans, which both teams didn’t play last year, had every ingredient possible to make Saturday’s win special. 

There was that beautiful Michigan snow. The Big House had over 111,000 people in attendance––mostly waving Maize towels all game. And two bitter rivals battling it out for a trip to the Big Ten Championship.

Michigan didn’t only beat Ohio St., but they did it playing their brand of football. The Buckeyes had no answer for the Wolverines. And that was on both sides of the ball.

On offense, the Wolverines ran the ball down the Buckeyes’ throat. Thank Hassan Haskins for that. He saved the performance of a lifetime for the biggest stage of his career to date. He finished with 28 carries for 169 yards and five touchdowns. Haskins tied the late Ron Johnson for the most rushing touchdowns in a game by a Michigan running back. 

Then there’s the defense.

Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo made their best impression of The Dudley Boyz. And we’re talking the ECW version, not the WWF/E one. On an afternoon where they had to play their best, both players rose to the occasion. Ojabo finished with three tackles and a sack––one that nearly brought The Big House down.

And as far as Hutchinson, I mean, what can you say at this point? Saying that his season is a special one is an understatement. He led an aggressive Michigan defense with five tackles and three sacks. He surpassed Lamar Woodley to become Michigan’s single-season sack leader (13). Ojabo is fifth on that same list with 11 sacks this season, crystalizing how impressive Michigan’s defense is.

After fans stormed the field when the final seconds ran off, Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft interviewed Harbaugh to discuss the monumental win. He was humble at that moment. He credited Haskins and Hutchinson for their efforts throughout the season. Harbaugh said they were two men who put the program on their backs. 

And that’s damn true. However, Harbaugh needs to pat himself on the back, too. 

All of the chips were on the line for Jim Harbaugh.

In his seventh year at Michigan, some fans and media analysts called for his firing. To that point, he was 3-4 vs. Michigan State and winless (0-5) vs. Ohio St. 

That’s not going to fly in Ann Arbor. Going back and forth with the Spartans is one thing, but having a goose egg in the W column vs. the Buckeyes isn’t acceptable. Even with a 60-23 record, it didn’t matter. Many fans, students, and alumni were ready to part ways if Michigan didn’t win on Saturday.  

On top of that, Ryan Day foolishly boasted his team would hang 100 points on the Wolverines. The trash-talking between both universities leading up to Saturday was epic. It was shade on top of shade. 

For that reason alone, Saturday in Ann Arbor was special. 

Michigan throttling Ohio St. is easily the most impressive victory of Harbaugh’s coaching tenure in Ann Arbor. I think any logical mind agrees with that. The Wolverines will now prepare for their first Big Ten Championship game to face Iowa in six days. And they’ll do it heading into the game not only as the favorite to win but the No.2 ranked team in the nation. 

For a man that many counted out up to this point, the only thing people should say to Jim Harbaugh right now is “Job well done.” And effective immediately, any talk of replacing him in Ann Arbor is officially put to rest. 

Follow Kory Woods on Twitter at KoryEWoods.