After years of falling just short, both the Big Ten and Michigan overcame the laughter coming from SEC country to claim college football’s biggest prize. The Wolverines’ title has been years in the making, as Jim Harbaugh remade the program to not only compete with Ohio State but to be a factor on a national level.
For many, it was a welcome reprieve from the cycle of winners from the southeastern part of the country. For others, it comes with a big asterisk after a Michigan assistant was spotted at opponent’s games looking to steal their signs. In any event, Michigan is a champion, and it may have been the swan song for Harbaugh before he returns to the NFL.
Michigan’s win came over Washington, who is now set to join the conference. Also joining are Oregon, USC, and UCLA, adding depth to a league that has been very top-heavy. The league will have a whole new look next year, and there is little doubt it will emerge as the nation’s clearcut number two conference behind the juggernaut which is the SEC.
What Went Right
Michigan’s Ascension
It can be hard to remember how stuck Michigan seemed to be after the 2020 season. While the pandemic season was as weird as they come, the Wolverines went 2-4 and Harbaugh’s future was in flux. His contract extension after the season included a cut in salary with incentives to be where he made up the difference. Three years later, he is a national champion fresh off three consecutive appearances in the College Football Playoff.
Of course, Harbaugh does not score points for our fantasy teams, which is really what we’re myopically focused on. After lacking weaponry on offense, he really built up the offensive side of the ball with acquisitions such as JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and Roman Wilson. McCarthy could flirt with this year’s first round while Corum and Wilson have day two aspirations. After lacking impact fantasy talent, the Wolverines’ wholesale changes have made them a much more appealing destination.
Michigan will always be a team built through the trenches, but they have shown they can develop high-end talent at other positions. It will be fascinating to see if they can continue this, especially if Harbaugh moves back to the NFL.
