For Michigan, much like for Ohio State, it was always about this weekend. It was always about this game. And now, after 11 weeks of preliminaries, the main event is finally here. And as was the case last season, everything on the line.
With each team coming off playoff appearances last year and beginning this season ranked in the top five, it’s not surprising that Michigan and Ohio State meet with not only a berth in the conference championship game at stake, but one in the college football playoffs, as well. It’s not surprising either that each team comes into the game undefeated for the second straight season. What is surprising, however, is the path that Michigan traveled to get here.
Michigan started the season hot. Behind an uber-efficient offense and an overwhelming defense, the Wolverines raced to a 7-0 start. It wasn’t just Michigan’s undefeated record, however, that was impressive. Through seven games, the Wolverines were averaging more than 40 points while holding their opponents to less than a touchdown per game. So dominant was Michigan, that most national pundits hailed the Wolverines as one of the best teams in the country, one of the few teams capable of unseating two-time defending national champion Georgia.
For Michigan, the season seemed to have a singular focus. Repeating as conference champions and improving on last season’s performance in the college football playoffs. To accomplish those tasks, of course, the Wolverines would have to first survive Ohio State.
The week of the Michigan/Michigan State game a new focus emerged. Allegations of a sign-stealing campaign surfaced – allegations that have intensified in the weeks since. For the past month, Michigan and its players have been in the news and under the microscope, with the Big Ten ultimately suspending head coach Jim Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season.
When the allegations first surfaced, Michigan seemed nonplussed and defeated Michigan State 49-0,…
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