Unbeaten Michigan’s Fight to Free Jim Harbaugh Intensifies

Michigan’s football team remains unbeaten after going on the road and knocking off Penn State on Saturday — and they did it without head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was suspended hours before kickoff for the remainder of the regular season.

The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for his alleged role in a sign-stealing controversy swirling around Michigan. On Friday night, Michigan filed a temporary restraining order to block the Big Ten’s suspension of Harbaugh. However, a judge in Michigan declined to issue an emergency decision before Saturday’s kickoff. 

A hearing has been set for this Friday, when a judge will explore the school’s efforts to reinstate Harbaugh.

In a statement on Friday, the University of Michigan had this to say:

“We look forward to presenting our case next week where we intend to demonstrate that the Big Ten has not acted legally or fairly.”

The Game Looms

Next up for Michigan is a game at Maryland this coming Saturday, where the Wolverines are heavy favorites — with or without Harbaugh. But looming largest is the year’s final regular-season game at home against the rival Buckeyes (10-0).

Getting Harbaugh back on the sideline before that matchup — a game that will likely feature two undefeated teams and have a major impact on the final College Football Playoff rankings — would provide a substantial boost for the Wolverines.