Jim Harbaugh discusses 'The Game' but refuses to talk suspension

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has a ton to talk about in the leadup to the 2023 college football season. He also has a lot he won't speak on right now, though he's apparently willing to lay it all out on the line if he was able.

Outside of Michigan's validity as a College Football Playoff contender this season, two other issues have come up recently. One was Ohio State head coach Ryan Day suggesting that perhaps the annual rivalry game between OSU and Michigan should consider a change. It has traditionally been played at noon on the last Saturday of the season, but Day feels there are valid reasons to consider moving "The Game" up on the slate. 

It's no surprise that Harbaugh, a noted traditionalist, seems to like the massive rivalry where its at. With that said, he didn't completely shut the idea down while talking at Big Ten media days.

“We’ll play that whenever it’s scheduled to be played,” Harbaugh said, per On3. “We know we’re gonna play it every season at least once, but I don’t have a particular opinion of when it should be played right now. It’s been played the last game of the season. I think everybody’s used to that. That’s part of the Thanksgiving tradition now, so that’s when we’ll expect it."

The other major and newly-breaking story surrounding Michigan this offseason has been the report that Harbaugh is facing a four-game suspension in 2023 because of an alleged Level 1 recruiting violation and the fact that he reportedly did not cooperate with an NCAA recruiting investigation.

Harbaugh was asked about that potential suspension, but wouldn't get into details. This, despite the fact that he said he'd love to.

“As you probably already know I can’t, I’m not allowed to talk about any aspect of that ongoing situation,” he said. “I’m with you, I’d love to lay it all out there. Nothing to be ashamed of. But now is not that time. That’s about all there is to say about that.”

If the reports of the suspension are true, Harbaugh will miss Michigan's games against East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers -- hardly a consequential run of games for the Wolverines.