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Zak Zinter receives B1G trophy from Tony Petitti at request of Jim Harbaugh

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Zak Zinter did not get to play in Michigan’s B1G Championship Game appearance against Iowa. However, head coach Jim Harbaugh saved a special honor for the injured offensive lineman.

A veteran contributor and anchor for the o-line, Zinter sustained a devastating leg injury in The Game against Ohio State. His season ended as a result, but he was still able to be with the team for the coin toss Saturday night.

After the win, Harbaugh even selected Zinter for the special honor of receiving the trophy. B1G commissioner Tony Petitti awarded the trophy to Zinter instead of Harbaugh after the win, a special moment for the injured player.

Not to take away from the moment for Zinter, but the incident likely served a two-fold purpose for Harbaugh and the Wolverines. Yes, the head coach took the opportunity to honor a leader of the team, but the presence of Petitti was also a likely factor in the postgame.

As a result of Harbaugh’s request, the head coach did not have to receive the trophy from the commissioner who suspended him for 3 regular-season games at the end of the year. That might not have been Harbaugh’s primary objective with the decision, but Harbaugh likely will not lose any sleep over not having to take the trophy from Petitti on national television.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.