College Football Playoff Exec Addresses Impact of Jim Harbaugh Suspension on Michigan

The Wolverines are ranked No. 3 in the CFP's weekly poll.

With Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh set to serve a suspension in the Wolverines’ final three games of the regular season, one of college football’s most dominant teams suddenly finds its future up in the air.

However, at least one element of Michigan's turbulent existence will seemingly remain unchanged: its place in College Football Playoff discussions.

Per CFP executive director Bill Hancock, the selection committee will not give undue weight to Harbaugh’s future absences in considering the Wolverines’ current standing—for better or for worse.

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“I want to emphasize the committee does not project what might happen in a future game. It will take into consideration what happens in any game including absence of players or coaches,” Hancock said, per Brett McMurphy of the Action Network. “The committee looks backward, not forward.” 

The Big Ten has suspended Jim Harbaugh from coaching Michigan’s final three regular season games, it announced Friday :: Kirthmon F. Dozier/USA TODAY NETWORK

Harbaugh is set to miss games against Penn State, Maryland and Ohio State. The CFP’s next rankings will be released Tuesday, in between Michigan’s games against the Nittany Lions and Terrapins.

Right now, the Wolverines are ranked No. 3 in the CFP’s poll behind the Buckeyes and Georgia.