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Must-win vs. Iowa? Paul Finebaum explains why that’s not the case for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Michigan climbed a major mountain last weekend when the Wolverines toppled visiting Ohio State for the first time since 2011. As a result, the No. 2 Wolverines qualified for the B1G Championship, where No. 13 Iowa awaits.
This is the first appearance for Michigan since the championship game format was introduced in 2011. During his appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum was asked about the fan expectations now that Michigan has legitimate national title hopes.
If Michigan loses to Iowa, does it undo everything? It’s an interesting hypothetical that Finebaum attempted to answer.
“No, because I think he was hired to beat Ohio State. He’s got an unusual fanbase, Dan, and I don’t think I need to enlighten you on that,” Finebaum said. “They wanted that game so badly. I think in some ways, that’s what Harbaugh had to overcome.”
Harbaugh has coached at Michigan since 2015 and has amassed a 60-23 overall record and 42-17 record in the conference, along with a 1-4 record in bowl games.
Michigan defeated then-No. 2 Ohio State 42-27 for its 4th consecutive victory to close the season. Iowa is coming off a 28-21 victory at Nebraska for its 4th win in a row.
The last B1G title for Michigan and Iowa is when the 2 teams claimed a share in 2004. Michigan leads the all-time head-to-head series 42-15-4 and won the last meeting in 2019 vs. Iowa.
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.