Michigan Football: Wolverines Set New Program Records With Win Over Penn State

Heading into the 2023 season, most people pointed to Michigan's late-season matchup against Penn State as a game that would provide the first true test for the Wolverines. Although facing the Nittany Lions in Happy Valley is difficult under normal circumstances, the Wolverines were also dealing with ongoing noise surrounding an NCAA investigation into their program, along with finding out head coach Jim Harbaugh would be suspended for the game less than 24 hours before kickoff.

None of that outside noise and controversy mattered when the Wolverines took the field on Saturday, as No. 3 Michigan bullied its way to a comfortable 24-15 win over No. 10 Penn State. With the win, the Wolverines set two new program records that highlight just how dominant Michigan has been over the last two and a half seasons.

The Wolverines have won 22 straight games against Big Ten opponents, the longest streak in program history.

The Big Ten does not recognize the 2021 or 2022 league championship games as conference matchups, so according to the conference, U-M is at 20 straight wins, a new program record (previous: 19 by 1990-92 teams coached by Gary Moeller).

Facing Maryland this weekend, the Wolverines will have another opportunity to set a new program record and reach an incredible milestone in the process - by becoming the first team in college football history to reach 1,000 program wins.

The biggest question for Michigan right now is whether or not Harbaugh will be on the sidelines with his team to celebrate such an impressive milestone if the Wolverines can get the win this weekend (Michigan is currently a 21-point favorite over Maryland). Harbaugh is scheduled to be in court on Friday as he seeks an injunction that would allow him to continue coaching his football team.

Last Friday, Michigan's board of regents filed a lawsuit against the Big Ten Conference and commissioner Tony Petitti after the league suspended Harbaugh for a violation of the sportsmanship policy due to allegations of sign-stealing. Although the league admitted that it does not yet have any evidence that Harbaugh was involved (or had knowledge) of the scheme, the Big Ten decided to issue a punishment anyway.

If the injunction is granted on Friday, it would presumably allow Jim Harbaugh to return to the sidelines on Saturday against Maryland - setting the stage for what could be a nasty legal battle between the University of Michigan and the Big Ten conference.

“I’m going to talk Friday,” Harbaugh said. “I’m just looking for that opportunity. Not looking for special treatment, not looking for a popularity contest — just looking for merit of what the case is.”