Roman Wilson and Michigan celebrated their victory with dance moves. Michigan vs. Everybody isn’t merely a slogan on a t-shirt; it embodies the defiance against the odds when the entire sports world roots against you. On Monday night, Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide found themselves crossed off the list.
Who’s Connor Stalions anyway?
“It’s almost been an unfair advantage, all the things that the team has gone through. We don’t care anymore. Don’t care what people say. Don’t care about anything that comes up,” remarked Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh after the Wolverines defeated Alabama, 27-20, in overtime, in one of the most gripping College Football Playoff Semifinal games ever. “We just know we’re going to overcome it because it’s unanimous support from every single guy on the team.”
Harbaugh’s absence for the first and last three games of the season due to suspension and the “sign-stealing” scandal didn’t deter the Wolverines. They marched into the Rose Bowl 13-0 and walked out with their 14th win of the season.
If you held animosity towards Michigan this season, understandable. If you despise them for playing the victim, it’s fair. But if you’re still a detractor after Monday night, clinging to the notion that alleged sign recordings are the sole reason for Michigan’s success — then you’re missing the bigger picture.
“It’s a togetherness. We’re so together, so connected. We were going to overcome anything that was inside this stadium,” Harbaugh affirmed about his team after the triumph.
This sentiment isn’t mere rhetoric; the past three seasons have shown Michigan’s transformation. Their victories against Ohio State and resilience against setbacks signal a new era in Wolverines football.
“I want all Michigan fans to do this. Take 3 deep breaths. And have faith,” urged Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy during a bleak period in 2020. His foresight proved true, rendering doubters increasingly irrelevant.
Has anyone spotted Paul Finebaum? As of Tuesday morning, his silence echoes loudly.
ESPN personalities like Stephen A. Smith have flip-flopped their critiques, while others like Pat McAfee have acknowledged Michigan’s rightful place.
But if ESPN’s doubters weren’t enough, college football coaches chimed in, doubting Michigan’s prowess. However, the Wolverines continue to defy expectations.
Next Monday, Michigan faces Washington, another chance to silence critics and etch their legacy in college football history.
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