Championship Eve Musings: How Did Michigan Football Develop Its Toughness (With That Side of Nasty)?

Looking back in Michigan's recent-ish past, one common theme was that the football team, despite being pretty good, was a bit on the softer side. I recall one comment from years ago that addressed this directly -- I think we were termed white-collar at one point. The implication, then, was that we would fold up when faced with adversity. We saw this some on the field, with games such as 27-for-27.

Fast forward to 2021 and 2022. No one is referring to us that way any longer. Now talking heads are using terms like suffocation and imposing one's will when describing the team. Teams are clearly frustrated that Michigan can no longer be pushed around. Of course, this is desirable and has helped the team ascend to the level of CFP-caliber unit. 

But I'm curious how this happened. Is it primarily a function of this special group of players from this year and last? Is it due to better / more innovative coaching? Is it due to the fact that the general scheme that Harbaugh has wanted to implement during his time here is finally in place? 

This attitude shift is one of the significant drivers for our success in 2021 and 2022, and I sure hope it's something that remains a focus in the future.