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Mind of Mike: Michigan Won’t Be Denied

Michigan deserves to win, and I don’t care what you have to say about it

January 2, 2024
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Rose Trophy: Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) lifts the trophy after a 27-20 win over Alabama.
Rose Trophy: Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) lifts the trophy after a 27-20 win over Alabama.

I’ve lost interest.

I never thought I’d say that about the NCAA and the University of Michigan. Cheeseburgers, stolen signs, I don’t care anymore. This Michigan team under Jim Harbaugh is just elite and didn’t need fast food enhancements or dudes named Connor to get that way.

If you’re a stickler for the rules (or an Ohio State fan), then you’ll disagree vehemently with this article, but I don’t care. Ohio State and Alabama have now each had a chance to sit Michigan down for the season and make us all start ruminating over burger condiments or secret signal-stealing scouting sessions (say that five times fast), and both were flatly punched in the face and told to take a seat themselves. Did Michigan have Ohio State’s signals this time after the Buckeyes said they changed everything? Did Michigan hack into Alabama’s I-Pads after Nick Saban told his team not to use them out of fear they’d be monitored? Whatever excuse you want to find, have at it.

I’ve lost interest.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts to a play against Alabama during the second half of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

I will have writers covering the NCAA investigation into Michigan’s antics for as long as it lasts. The Wolverines may or may not face serious sanctions, and Harbaugh may face even more suspensions. Heck, wins may be vacated someday. And I still don’t care.

Do I like cheaters, you’ll ask? Nope. But I do like sound, fundamental, badass physical football, and that’s what I see from Michigan this season. And to me, it’s about roster and player development, a great balance of portal players to high school recruits, and an ingenious job by Harbaugh and his staff of instilling culture in this player-led team.

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Whether the coaches skirted the rules or not, the players took this team over this season and refused to lose. They play for each other, and they play for the Michigan brand, and they’re just better than everyone else. Washington remains, and they are a formidable foe, but I don’t see this group of Michigan men being denied. And I’m all for it.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) makes a pass against Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (32) during the second half of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

So if you think feeding recruits or COVID scouting or Connor Stalions did all this, then that’s cool. Heck, even I feel if something was amiss, then Harbaugh knew about it, as the man isn’t an idiot. But it doesn’t matter now. Two supposedly elite teams (not including Penn State here, but you could if you wanted to) had a chance to let this team stew on the controversy this off-season, and both whiffed. JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, Mason Graham, Junior Colson, and others aren’t going to be national champs because of burgers and signals. They are just better than everyone else.

Category: College Football, Mind of Mike, NewsTag: 2023 CFP, Blake Corum, CFP, College Football Playoff, Jim Harbaugh, JJ McCarthy, Junior Colson, Mason Graham, Michigan wolverines, Mike Farrell, Mind of Mike
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