Darron Cummings is an Associated Press photographer.
A different story may already have been written if Jim Harbaugh hadn't walked into Lucas Oil Stadium. Without a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game in 2021, the Michigan head coach might not have received an eighth.
That would've been correct. Harbaugh had resuscitated a mediocre program, but he had fallen short of expectations. He'd lost to his rivals. He had struggled against the top teams. Michigan only made a legitimate run at a Big Ten crown in 2016
He stood.
Harbaugh was on the sideline for the most important game of his tenure one week after summiting the Ohio State-sized mountain. In a city he once called home, the once-prodigal, soon-beleaguered, now-triumphant coach carved a long-awaited, long-expected place in Michigan history.
The Big Ten champion is the Harbaugh-led Michigan.
Harbaugh's team won the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff after beating Iowa 42-3.
The Bleacher Report is posted at br_CFB.
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Jim Harbaugh couldn't contain his excitement.
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It took seven years for the UM to reach this level, which was anticipated by their fans. Harbaugh's job security was tenuous entering the 2021 season because of the growing support that had grown weary of disappointment.
He signed a contract extension in January, but it didn't protect his future.
Harbaugh's contract was reduced to $4 million. It's not a pittance, but it's a low number that would have allowed Michigan to move on from Harbaugh.
It was a make-or-break season.
The decision wouldn't have been easy for Michigan's leadership. Harbaugh's 49-22 record through 2020 was adequate, even though his predecessors, Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke, both posted a combined 46-42 mark. The grass on the other side of the coaching fence is not always green.
Harbaugh hadn't accomplished what he was hired to do. The demons that have haunted his regime were revived by a trip to Michigan State.
The Wolverines wasted a 16-point lead in a loss. Harbaugh lost to a dismal 3-4 against Michigan State and 2-9 on the road against Top 25 teams.
A hot start was shattered in late defeats. It faded on a warm day in Ann arbor before vanishing in Indianapolis.
Mast is an Associated Press reporter.
In the decisive 42-27 victory over Ohio State, Hassan Haskins ran for 169 yards and five touchdown. Michigan snapped an eight-game skid against Ohio State in Harbaugh's first game as head coach.
If Michigan lost at Lucas Oil, the joy of ousting a bitter rival could have been lost. It was only fitting for Iowa to take away that happiness after U-M beat Ohio State.
That never came close to happening.
Two first-quarter touchdown runs of 65-plus yards propelled the Wolverines to a rapid 14-7 lead. They outgained the Hawkeyes 465-279 and ran away with the Big Ten title.
Michigan's coveted celebration as the Playoff bound kings of the Big Ten was triggered by the dominant night.
It seemed like Harbaugh's last ride was 12 months ago.
This victory ensured that Harbaugh's story in Ann Arbor is not finished, even though confetti fluttered past his name on the Indianapolis Colts' ring of honor.
There are statistics from NCAA.com and B/R research. David Kenyon is a writer for the Bleacher Report.
