Looking back on the last two weeks for Michigan Football, the one thing that’s clear is that there’s seemingly no speculation or list of potential outcomes that seem too far-fetched for the future of the Wolverines.
From realizing their national title aspirations for the first time in over a quarter-century and the big time opponents coming on the schedule in 2024 (not to mention the robust war chest of the Big Ten from their latest seven-year TV deal), to possible FBI investigations, NCAA sanctions and the scornful eye of the national media as they opine over video of a now-former Michigan staffer appearing incognito on the Central Michigan sidelines.
And that’s not even getting to the pervasive opinion held by many — that head coach Jim Harbaugh will eventually grow weary of this ongoing circus and finally return to the grownups table of the NFL.
These days, the only certainty within reach for the Wolverines is that whatever comes next, it surely won’t be boring or lacking in importance.
For all the bluster and righteous indignation, both now and even dating back to the start of the season, the vibe around Michigan Football this year – at least from the players, coaches and staff, has been anything but fraught. Morale has been at an all-time high, at least by modern standards.
On Halloween, the entire college football world learned the initial playoff picture: No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Michigan and No. 4 Florida State — with Washington (5th) and Oregon (6th) the first two out. Despite being lauded as the Wolverines’ best squad of the modern era, the first week of CFP rankings was more than just a return to reality — it’s a reminder of past demons.
Michigan’s first year making the playoffs saw them matched up against Georgia in the 2021 Semifinal. The Bulldogs proved to be an emerging juggernaut — stunning the Wolverines in a 34-11 drubbing, then unseating top-ranked Alabama to win the National Championship.
A source of even greater disdain, despite the taste of back-to-back victories over Ohio State the past two seasons, there’s no mistaking the Maize and Blue faithful are eager to exact another pound of flesh against the program that has terrorized them and provoked more than a few regime changes in the last couple decades.
But the funny thing about all of these quagmires that presently haunt the program — they won’t change anything about Michigan’s 2023 season. And this Saturday, that involves a home matchup against Purdue at the Big House. The following week, they’ll travel to Beaver Stadium for a showdown against 10th-ranked Penn State.
And two weeks after that? It’s the regular season finale against the committee’s current favorite: the Buckeyes.
So, for those who don’t consider themselves among the diehard fans, hometown supporters and ardent college football junkies – what’s so compelling about Michigan Football? A defense that’s surrendered five total touchdowns all year. An offense with program-historic talent at every skill position and in the backfield — led by a quarterback who has a chance at being the first at that position drafted from the school in the first round … since his head coach almost 35 years ago.
The potential to register the most players selected in a single NFL Draft. Not just in program history, but in the history of the NCAA.
And, most of all, one of the country’s largest and most storied programs, the back-to-back Big Ten Champs — could this finally be their year at the top of college football? Or will the wait of an entire generation continue, amidst the backdrop of tumult behind the scenes and scrutiny from the governing body of college sports?
The existential questions aren’t going away; and neither is Michigan. On the contrary, fresh off their bye week, the Wolverines’ campaign for greatness is about to get serious.
Michigan plays Purdue this Saturday at the Big House, kickoff at 7:3opm.
