Dave Portnoy has stood by his alma mater during one of their most troubling periods off the football field. The University of Michigan stands accused of stealing the play-calling signs of their opponents. With the NCAA investigation unlikely to conclude before the end of the season, the Big Ten conference acted of its own volition.
The Big Ten suspended the Wolverines’ head coach Jim Harbaugh for the last three games of the regular season. That was his second suspension, following a “self-imposed” one at the beginning of the season. Despite his absence from the sideline, Michigan beat the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Maryland Terrapins. To qualify for the Conference Championship game, they must beat the Ohio State Buckeyes next on Saturday, November 25. Dave Portnoy remains optimistic about their chances.
Dave Portnoy takes a shot at Ohio State
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Dave Portnoy posited, via his X handle, that everyone associated with the Buckeyes is presently trembling with fear as that day draws near. He shared a GIF of comedian Jack McBrayer attempting to take a sip from a bottle of water, with his hand trembling and spilling it everywhere as a result. The visual was from the sitcom 30 Rock, where McBrayer played Kenneth Parcell. Portnoy added the words, “All of Ohio watching Michigan right now.”
All of Ohio watching Michigan right now pic.twitter.com/2xzdO01lrM
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) November 18, 2023
Dave Portnoy has always displayed pride in his alma mater. In this case, it is more than justified. The Michigan Wolverines rallied despite difficult circumstances that might have crushed a lesser team. They have won all five games where Jim Harbaugh was missing from the sideline. Moreover, they saw a lot of staffing changes in light of the ongoing NCAA investigation. Regardless, the Wolverines remain a formidable opponent for any college team.
Michigan Wolverines do their jobs on the field
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Their off-field issues have not taken the players’ focus away from their tasks on hand. The Michigan Wolverines remain perfect with an 11-0 record overall. They beat the Maryland Terrapins 31-24 away from home. Their rivals and next opponents, the Ohio State Buckeyes, have an identical record for the regular season. The Iowa Hawkeyes await the winner of this clash in the Conference Championship game, to be played on December 2.
The Wolverines were Conference champions for the last two years running. What will concern them most is Jim Harbaugh’s record during the post-season. At Michigan, he has a 1-6 record in the Bowls. It remains to be seen if he can put the turmoil behind him and improve upon the same at this time of asking.
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Dave Portnoy’s pride in his alma mater is paramount. He had advocated earlier that the Wolverines leave the Big Ten. According to him, the Conference needed Michigan more than Michigan needed the Big Ten. It looks unlikely at present the Wolverines will resort to that tactic. He also believed the Wolverines were a footballing dynasty in the making. It remains to be seen how successful they become to do justice to the faith Dave Portnoy puts in them.
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