Jim Harbaugh praises Michigan's ability to overcome in Rose Bowl win vs. Alabama

Whether you like it or not, Michigan has been able to overcome a lot this season. The latest test came in the second half of the Rose Bowl, not playing particularly well coming out of the locker room. But somehow, someway, Michigan was able to pull through and will now be playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

In true Jim Harbaugh fashion, he had a short postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe. His words were still meaningful though, talking about how connected Michigan was throughout the game. Never once did the head coach doubt his team would be able to come out on top.

“It’s the togetherness,” Harbaugh said. “We’re so together. So connected. We were going to overcome anything that was inside this stadium.”

Together is a word Harbaugh has frequently used despite him being away at times. He wound up not coaching in half of Michgian’s regular season games for two different reasons. A three-game suspension to begin the year and then three more for the final three games.

Michigan never wavered, went 6-0 in those — including beating Ohio State — and put itself in a position to play in the College Football Playoff. With Harbaugh back on the sidelines, the Wolverines won the Big Ten Championship game and clinched the No. 1 seed.

Even in the game against Alabama, Michigan had to find a way to overcome obstacles. Despite dominating the first half, it was still a one-score game heading into the locker room. Multiple special teams plays nearly killed them. And outside of the final drive, JJ McCarthy was not able to get anything going on offense in the second half.

Now, Michigan has the opportunity to win the national championship for the first time since 1997. The opponent is still TBD, with Texas and Washington facing off in the Sugar Bowl in the College Football Playoff nightcap. Hopefully, just as good of a game will unfold in New Orleans as it did in Pasadena.

You would have to believe Harbaugh will not care too much about who the opponent is. He knows there will be a challenge, whether Steve Sarkisian or Kalen DeBoer is on the other sideline. Obstacles will have to be overcome, both in the week leading into the game and while competing on the field.

Michigan has been able to fight through it all for 14 games. One more and the College Football Playoff trophy will be on a plane back to Ann Arbor.