Big Ten Daily (Nov. 17): Jim Harbaugh Accepts Suspension, Will Miss Michigan's Final 2 Games
Michigan has decided to wave the white flag. The University and Jim Harbaugh accepted the Big Ten's punishment of a three-game suspension for violating the conference's sportsmanship policy, meaning the Wolverines will be without their coach for the remainder of the regular season.
As a result of the agreement, the Big Ten has halted its investigation into Michigan's sign-stealing scandal. The NCAA's investigation into the matter continues.
Harbaugh has already missed one game because of this particular punishment. The Big Ten slapped the coach with the suspension last Friday, as the team flew to State College for a Big Ten East clash with Penn State.
With Harbaugh agreeing to the suspension, he will miss Michigan's final two games of the regular season. The Wolverines play Maryland and Ohio State.
Currently, he's eligible to return for the Big Ten Championship Game, should the Wolverines clinch a division title.
"This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh, and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation," the University of Michigan said in a statement. "The Conference agreed to close its investigation, and the University and Coach Harbaugh agreed to accept the three-game suspension.
"Coach Harbaugh, with the University's support, decided to accept this sanction to return the focus to our student-athletes and their performance on the field. The Conference has confirmed that it is not aware of any information suggesting Coach Harbaugh's involvement in the allegations. The University continues to cooperate fully with the NCAA's investigation."
By the time the regular season comes to an end, Harbaugh will have missed half of Michigan's games. He was also served a school-imposed three-game suspension for alleged violations dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan has not been fazed by Harbaugh's absences in the past. The Wolverines are 4-0 in games when the coach has been barred from the sideline thus far. That included an impressive 24-15 road win against Penn State last week.
But the biggest test of Michigan's resilience comes on Nov. 25, when it hosts Ohio State with the Big Ten East title hanging in the balance.
Urban Meyer Denies Interest in Coaching Return
Anytime a big-time coaching job becomes available, Urban Meyer's name is going to be mentioned. It's become a yearly tradition to toss the three-time national champion's name into the mix.
This year, Meyer's name has been mentioned with two high-profile programs looking to make a hire: Michigan State and Texas A&M.
The former Florida and Ohio State leader was asked if he had interest in either job. It sounds like Meyer is content talking about football instead of coaching it.
“No desire,” Meyer said on the A Peek Inside Florida Gators Football podcast. “I love what I’m doing. That ship has sailed. I’m very grateful for, I think, 37 years in the game and loved it. No desire.”
Meyer's name surfaced quickly for the job in East Lansing when Michigan State fired Mel Tucker. Then, earlier this week, his name popped up again after Texas A&M parted ways with Jimbo Fisher.
Meyer is still regarded as one of the brightest minds in the game. Schools would be silly to not pick up the phone and gauge his interest.
Right now, though, it seems like Meyer is happy with his career choice.
Caitlin Clark's Shooting Woes Doom Iowa
Iowa women's basketball team suffered a surprising loss on Thursday night, dropping a 65-58 decision to Kansas State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Shooting woes from the Hawkeyes, and Caitlin Clark, doomed second-ranked Iowa.
A quick glimpse at the stat sheet indicates Clark had a solid night. She finished the game with 24 points, six rebounds and three assists. But the reigning National Player of the Year didn't look like her typical sharp-shooting self.
Clark shot just 28% from the floor and converted on only two of her 16 attempts from 3-point range. Even more surprising? In the final 3:40 of the contest, she missed all six shots from the floor.
Iowa's loss to Kansas State on Thursday can't be placed solely on Clark. The team shot just 36.1% from the floor and turned the ball over 16 times. The Hawkeyes also left points at the free throw line, making just 12-of-18 from the charity stripe.
We've become accustomed to Clark shining in those late-game moments, though. Rarely have we seen her shoot so poorly from the floor. And, unfortunately for the Hawkeyes, it resulted in their first loss of the season.
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