Despite having a very successful season with no losses in the regular season, the Michigan Wolverines found themselves on the backfoot not long before the college football playoffs. 

A pivotal part of the team, head coach Jim Harbaugh, was suspended the week of their game vs ninth ranked Penn State. The suspension was set to last three weeks and was a devastating loss for the Wolverines. The reason for his suspension was controversial, but in the eyes of many was deserved.

On Oct. 25, Michigan came under NCAA investigation for allegedly attending and scouting future opponents games in person. If this was true it would be a major violation of the rules in the NCAA as they prohibit any in-person scouting from other teams. The scandal only elevated from there, with the resignation of Wolverines staffer Connor Stalions. Stalions was thought to be the main man behind the scandal as he was rumored to have bought numerous tickets for other teams Big Ten games. These rumors were then confirmed with ESPN releasing articles stating that Stalions did in fact buy tickets to other teams games. Many believed he was there to scout the signs of the other teams so that Michigan would know what play they were running. Video evidence also circulated of a man who similarly resembled Stallions at a Central Michigan game in Chippewas gear scouting Michigan’s rival Michigan State. 

Despite claiming to have no knowledge of any sign-stealing, head coach Jim Harbaugh was issued a three game suspension before their matchup versus Penn State. Even with this crucial loss, Michigan prevailed with the help of interim head coach Sherrone Moore. They beat two top ten ranked teams in Penn State and Ohio State and also won against a tough Maryland squad. Harbaugh will be back for their Big 10 championship game against Iowa as they look to make the playoffs.