Michigan acting head coach Sherrone Moore and running back Blake Corum (2) celebrate a 24-15 win over Penn State following an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
The Michigan Wolverines beat Maryland for the school’s 1,000th win in football, but suspended head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t there to celebrate.
Because Harbaugh was suspended pending an investigation into violations of in-person scouting rules, he was unable to attend the game and had to watch it from home.
Sherrone Moore, the offensive coordinator who has taken over as head coach for the previous two games in Harbaugh’s absence, said he’d like to make sure the coach is included – but offered a creative alternative.
‘Coach needs to be edited in there,’ Moore added. ‘There is enough technology in the world now for us to do it.’
That’s a different notion from the one presented by defensive back Mike Sainristil who stated, ‘There’s no doubt in my mind that when we head back to this airport, he’s going to be there waiting for us. We’ll probably take another ten to fifteen minutes to capture another image.’
Maryland supporters mocked Harbaugh, screaming “Where is Harbaugh?” in the second half.
But, in the end, it was the Wolverines who had the final laugh, as they just barely held on to defeat the Terrapins.
Moore has led the Wolverines to victory over Penn State and Maryland in the last two weeks, and he will take over for Harbaugh again next weekend against Ohio State.
Michigan will be playing at home for that game, providing much-needed relief from their difficult road schedule.
The game, however, will not be simple. As there are presently five unbeaten teams, it will basically function as a quarterfinal to get into the College Football Playoff.
Harbaugh’s punishment expires at the end of the regular season, so if Michigan makes a run to the playoffs, he will be available.
