Penn State-Michigan: Big Ten suspends Jim Harbaugh for three games; legal action expected
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh may not be on the sideline on Saturday when the Wolverines visit Penn State at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is at Noon ET on FOX. The Big Ten suspended him for three games on Friday. Legal action is expected. Stay tuned for the latest.
“As a penalty imposed on the institution, the University football team must compete without its Head Football Coach for the games remaining in the 2023 regular-season, effective immediately. This disciplinary action shall not preclude the University or its football team from having its Head Football Coach attend practices or other football team activities other than the game activities to which it applies,” the Big Ten said in a statement. “For clarity, the Head Football Coach shall not be present at the game venue on the dates of the games to which this disciplinary action applies.
Rumors have swirled all week about Harbaugh’s status as both the Big Ten and NCAA investigated an alleged sign-stealing and in-person scouting tied to now former Michigan analyst Connor Stalions. Penn State coach James Franklin was asked Monday if he or his staff had given any thought to the possibility of Harbaugh not coaching on Saturday.
“I’m focused on all the stuff I see on film,” Franklin said. ”That’s what we’re focused on, all the stuff that we see on film, their plays, scheme, all the stuff. When I say see on film, see on the coaches’ copy of the film. The stuff going on between the sidelines, the 53 and a third, that’s what we’re focused on.”
Penn State-Michigan point spread
Penn State is an underdog for only the second time this season. Back in the summer, Michigan was a two-point road favorite. However, the line is now up to Wolverines -5.5 or -4.5, depending on the site you use. And, the Penn State-Michigan total is 45.5.
What’s up with Michigan?
Michigan is 9-0 after blasting Purdue 41-13. Star Wolverines running back Blake Corum scored three times in the victory. He leads the team with 126 carries for 649 yards and 16 touchdowns. Donovan Edwards is a factor in the backfield, as well. He has 239 yards and two touchdowns on 74 carries. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is having a very good season. He owns a 75 percent completion percentage and has thrown for 2,134 yards and 18 touchdowns to just three interceptions.
“The biggest thing is emotionally … I’m able to regulate my emotions a hell of a lot better than I was when I was just starting,” McCarthy said. He was talking about improvement between his first season as a starter and now. “Just not getting too high with the highs, too low with the lows and always staying neutral the whole time — and I think that pays off big time in these big games.”
Roman Wilson is the top receiver with 36 catches for 589 yards and 10 touchdowns. Colston Loveland (four touchdowns) and Cornelius Johnson(24 catches for 422 yards) are top targets.
Defensively, linebacker Junior Colson leads the way with 49 tackles (two for loss). Edge rushers Jaylen Harrell and Josiah Stewart each have 4.5 sacks. And, defensive back Mike Sainristil has three interceptions.
Weather report
According to Weather.com, rain is not likely for Penn State-Michigan. The outlet has this as its early prediction: “Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 51F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.”
