Three Reasons The Jim Harbaugh Suspension Won't Matter AT ALL

Jim Harbaugh is set to miss the first four games of the 2023 season but it likely won't even matter and might even be a benefit in some ways.

If you're a part of the Michigan football program, you'd obviously rather Jim Harbaugh not be suspended to start the 2023 season, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not going to matter. At all. In fact, it might even end up being a net positive when it's all said and done. Here's why...

1. U-M Will Still Start 4-0

At the end of the day, Michigan is going to be favored by so much against East Carolina, UNLV and Bowling Green that Jim Harbaugh's dog could coach the team to a 3-0 start. Rutgers can be pesky, but getting the Scarlet Knights in Ann Arbor is a plus for whoever is coaching the team during that week four tilt. The Wolverines will likely be favored by a bunch in that one too and should get to 4-0 without much resistance while Harbaugh watches from home. If Harbaugh has to miss four games, these are the ones to miss.

2. The Violations Were Pro-Recruiting

If the reports are true, Harbaugh broke some rules by going the extra mile for recruits. Whether it was an extra cheeseburger, some "illegal" viewing of recruits during a workout via zoom or some time spent during a no-contact period, these are all things that were in favor of prospective student athletes. In other words, these aren't exactly things other schools can use against Harbaugh and Michigan. There will be no negative recruiting when it comes to these violations and if anything, future recruits will see that Harbaugh and his staff are willing to do whatever it takes to make visitors happy. That's not exactly how recruiting is supposed to work, but high school players aren't going to worry about that.

3. Harbaugh's First Game Back Is A Big One

If Harbaugh is out for games 1-4, that means he'll return to the sideline for the week five, away game against Nebraska. No one knows was a Matt Rhule-led Huskers team will look like just yet, but they could be feisty and a little dangerous, especially at home. What better time for Harbaugh to return, full of piss and venom, ready to lead his team into battle. The players will be fired up, the coaches will want to perform at their best in front of their returning boss and Harbaugh might not be able to sleep days before or after the game after having missed the first four games of the season. In other words, it almost feels like a perfect storm for Harbaugh to return and send a message. 

I would never say getting suspended is a good idea, but this might be a best-case scenario for Harbaugh and Michigan if he has to miss four contests.