Comparing Jim Harbaugh and Urban Meyer's Quarterback Coaching in 2015

Jim Harbaugh and Urban Meyer have observed drastic differences in quarterback performances at Michigan and Ohio State, and the mixed results are a direct result of coaching.

Michigan boasts Harbaugh, who played 14 NFL seasons at the position, and Jedd Fisch, a career assistant who coached the Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks in 2010 and molded Stephen Morris into an above-average college gunslinger at Miami.

Ohio State, on the other hand, has felt the effects of Tom Herman's departure both in the quarterback coaching and play-calling departments.

Earlier in 2015, Christopher Jason of Land-Grant Holy Land warned that co-offensive coordinators Ed Warinner and (QBs coach) Tim Beck were on the verge of crashing Ohio State's Ferrari. According to Jason, they totaled it during the loss to Michigan State.

Although weather didn't help, the Buckeyes strayed from attempting downfield shots against MSU. However, it was a bad season-long trend becoming glaringly obvious in a loss.

"It's shocking—especially with the speed at the skill positions—how little Ohio State has thrown the ball downfield. That's what's most shocking to me," Bleacher Report's Adam Kramer said. "It's clear the offense has needed a jolt, and yet, it's almost like the coaches refuse to test that aspect of the offense."

Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett have few problems throwing the deep ball, and they have great weapons. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller considers wide receivers Michael Thomas a first-round talent and Braxton Miller a second-rounder.

Instead of utilizing those standouts—as well as Curtis Samuel, Jalin Marshall and a slew of young wideouts—downfield, the Buckeyes have looked for yards after the catch instead of air yards.

At Michigan, it seemed like Jake Rudock couldn't connect on a deep throw if his career depended on the pass. Rudock's inability to find a speedy Jehu Chesson heavily contributed to the Maize and Blue losing the season opener at Utah.

Tony Ding/Associated Press/Associated Press

Despite the consistent failure to hit open receivers, though, the Wolverines stuck with the calls and have started to reap the rewards.

Now, that doesn't mean Harbaugh and his staff have avoided adjustments and stubbornly stuck with what wasn't working because "This is how we do things, execution be darned."

Michigan relied on the running game during September, but the team's attack has shifted toward a dependence on Rudock. Put simply, the offensive line is significantly better in pass protection than at run blocking.

Rudock's improvement is largely a product of game-planning.

Against Rutgers in particular, the Wolverines used screens and misdirection calls to create passing lanes. Rudock isn't an elite quarterback, but these throws are simple for him, and he's regularly performing.

Although the Buckeyes have tried to manipulate a few parts of their offense, the biggest change is a larger focus on Barrett's dual-threat prowess and sending him on designed runs. The passing game itself has lacked productive tweaks.

"It's hard to say exactly what adjustments have been made because nothing has really stuck," Kramer said. "While Ohio State has made a conscious effort to run both—something that was evident against Michigan State in the elements—the offense has been unable to find a complete balance."

Fortunately for OSU, the vast amount of talent elsewhere on the roster gives the Buckeyes a wider margin of error.

Whether it was Miller spinning a defender out of his shoes, Ezekiel Elliott ripping off a long run or the defense rising up late, Ohio State has atoned for consistently mediocre quarterback play. That's the sign of a great program, but it doesn't mean a specific team is invincible.

The unimpressive campaigns from Jones, Barrett and the Buckeyes' staff have essentially dropped the defending champions out of title contention, while Michigan is a botched snap on a punt away from a Top Five ranking thanks to its quarterback.

Player performance is a reflection on the coaching staff, and the Wolverines have clearly held the edge behind center in 2015.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.