Paul Finebaum questions reaction to Michigan win, vindicating Jim Harbaugh

The Michigan Wolverines got a huge win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in The Game. It was a huge win that, for many Michigan fans, vindicated head coach Jim Harbaugh amid his suspension.

Despite that feeling among Michigan fans, Paul Finebaum doesn’t understand their reaction, as he explained on The Matt Barrie Show.

“I think it’s great. It was a game we all wanted and we saw, but what I don’t understand is the reaction to The Game,” Finebaum said. “Everything has been said about what happened, but tell me this, how did Michigan, a favorite at home, beating Ohio State vindicate Jim Harbaugh, as I’ve heard and as you’ve heard from tens of thousands of Michigan fans in the most cruel, crass, and obscene manner?”

Jim Harbaugh was suspended three games by the Big Ten amid the sign-stealing scandal at Michigan, which saw a staffer orchestrating a scheme to scout future opponents in advance and steal signs outside of the rules.

“I think it was a phenomenal win but I don’t understand the reaction and that’s what I pose to you as we begin on Sunday morning.”

Matt Barrie then speculated that the vindication was coming because there were those arguing that Michigan only beat Ohio State for two seasons because the Wolverines were stealing signs. However, even after the scandal was exposed, Michigan continued to beat Ohio State, implying the sign stealing wasn’t important to the outcome.

“I’ll say this, I was never arguing that Michigan was wasn’t one of the most dominant teams in the country. The whole argument with Michigan was, with the sign stealing scandal, they were acting like they didn’t do anything when it was found that they did do something to some level, playing the victim, and then playing the villain,” Barrie said.

“If they just went out there and played football, it’s clear they’re one of the most dominant teams in the country, if not the most, and just go play football. But my guess, the reason they’re acting that way this morning is because it’s like, ‘See, I told you so,’ and just also happens to be against the team they hate more than life itself.”

Jim Harbaugh reveals emotions being back on the sideline

Jim Harbaugh’s second three-game suspension of the 2023 season is now over. He’ll be back on the sidelines for Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game in what promises to be an emotional return for the Wolverines’ head coach.

“My emotions, my focus has been with the team the entire time. It’s been a tremendous season. Right in the exact position that we hoped for, that we worked so hard to be in. It’s onward now. We’ve accomplished many of our goals, but not all of them yet, and some still are out there,” Harbaugh said.

“Beating Michigan State, beating Penn State, beating Ohio State, winning the Big Ten East. Now, the next is winning the conference championship and that’s where our focus is. I would say, you know, to be back, but I never left.”