In a recent Big Ten clash, the Michigan Wolverines secured a victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions with a score of 24-15, despite the absence of their head coach, Jim Harbaugh. The game was marked by the Wolverines' strong running game, led by Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, which managed to gash the Nittany Lions defense for 227 yards and three touchdowns. The Wolverines defense also made life tough on Drew Allan and company, giving up only 74 passing yards and forcing two turnovers.
The game was played under the shadow of a sign-stealing scandal involving Harbaugh, who was suspended by the Big Ten for the remainder of the season. The University of Michigan was found in violation of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy for conducting an impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years. Harbaugh, who had already served a three-game, university-imposed suspension earlier this season for an unrelated and still unresolved NCAA violations case tied to recruiting, has denied any knowledge or involvement in the scouting.
In response to the suspension, the University of Michigan filed a temporary restraining order. However, a state court declined to issue an injunction blocking his suspension for alleged sign-stealing. The court would not hold a hearing on the injunction until the following week. Despite the ban, Harbaugh is allowed to attend other team-related activities such as practices.
The Wolverines have shown resilience in the face of adversity, improving to 3-0 since it was revealed that the program was under NCAA investigation for a sign-stealing scheme. Sherrone Moore, the fill-in coach, thanked Harbaugh during his post-game interview, highlighting the team's unity amidst the ongoing controversy.