Michigan player carries 'Free Jim' sign on field after beating Penn State sans Harbaugh
On Friday evening the message from Michigan football in light of Jim Harbaugh’s three-game suspension was one word: Bet. And after Michigan picked up a win on the road against Penn State, the message was, again, simple: Free Jim.
That was the message written on the whiteboard carried on to the field by defensive lineman Cam Goode at Beaver Stadium, along with the final score — 24-15 — written beneath it. He paraded with the board above his head as players from both teams met on the field after the game, a moment captured by The Athletic’s Audrey Snyder.
While whatever battle rages on in court, it seems the Michigan team has Harbaugh’s back, both on the field and off.
Michigan’s next two games are against Maryland on the road and at home to end the season against Ohio State. Harbaugh is currently suspended for both games as a result of the NCAA investigation into impermissible advanced scouting, but is seeking a temporary restraining order against the Big Ten to allow him to coach while the matter plays out in court.
Emotions poured out after the win for Michigan
Over the last 24 hours, Michigan went through a rollercoaster of emotions. The Wolverines learned Harbaugh was receiving a suspension from the Big Ten and, after filing for an injunction, learned Saturday morning he wouldn’t be on the sidelines for the game against Penn State in Happy Valley despite optimism a ruling would come in time for kickoff.
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Harbaugh’s absence meant offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore would take over as acting head coach for the second time this year. He previously did so Sept. 16 against Bowling Green. This time, though, the stakes were higher in a top-10 showdown that had both College Football Playoff and Big Ten East implications.
After Michigan pulled off the 24-15 victory, the emotions flowed — and although Harbaugh wasn’t with the Wolverines on the sidelines, Moore made it known the team was playing for him.
“I want to thank the Lord,” Moore told FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft. “I want to thank Coach Harbaugh. F—ing love you, man. Love the shit out of you man. This is for you. For this university, the president, our AD. We’ve got the best players, best university, best alumni in the country. Love you guys. These f—ing guys right here, these guys right here, man. These guys did it, man.”