Michigan football finally won a Big Ten title last season and made the playoff but can Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines replicate that success?
Is Michigan football back? Like Texas, we really can’t make that claim until the Wolverines put together back-to-back great seasons. So that means 2022 will be a big one for Jim Harbaugh.
After nearly leaving for the NFL, Harbaugh is back with the Wolverines and he got a few monkeys off his back, including winning the Big Ten and making the playoff. Oh yeah, and beating Ohio State. Does he have what it takes to make the playoff in back-to-back seasons?
As a Michigan State fan, it pains me to say this, but Michigan should be in that playoff mix for three reasons. If the Wolverines don’t make it or at least make a New Year’s Six bowl, 2022 will be a massive disappointment.
Here’s why the Wolverines could — and probably should — make the playoff in 2022.
3. Jim Harbaugh is finally over that hump
There’s something to be said about a coach who finally breaks through a barrier and overcomes an obstacle that’s been in his way for years.
For Jim Harbaugh, that’s been beating Ohio State, making it to Indianapolis, and winning the Big Ten. He did all three in 2021 for the first time since he took over in 2015.
Yes, Harbaugh had gone six years without doing any of those but he did all three in the same season and that just shows him that he’s capable of doing so. Can he do it regularly? That’s tough to say since it’s only ever happened one time under his leadership.
When a coach finally breaks through and gets over that elephant-sized obstacle, it can be easier to replicate that success and get your team to believe it’s possible as well.