Jim Harbaugh's enthusiasm for coaching Michigan not dampened by cheating allegations

Jim Harbaugh isn't going to talk about the cheating allegations surrounding his team. Nor will he talk about what is shaping up to be a battle between the Big Ten conference and his program.

Harbaugh very well could be suspended any day now. On the other hand, Michigan may be able to strong-arm its way out of any immediate consequences. 

Either way, it doesn't seem like Harbaugh is letting the off-field drama dampen his spirits, especially as they related to this 9-0 and No. 3-ranked Wolverines team.

“It’s always been high. I love the competition,” Harbaugh said in a recent news conference when asked about his passion for coaching (h/t On3). “Or, at least I thought it was high. I can tell you this, just these players, how they’ve been raised, their families, there’s definitely a boost, an invigoration, just being around those guys.”

It's not surprising, is it? This is the very same guy whose mantra is "attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."

It has to be easy to be enthusiastic about this squad, too. Allegations aside, this is easily the best team Harbaugh has had in his nine years in Ann Arbor. Though his last two squads won the Big Ten and made the College Football Playoff (where they both lost in the semi-final) this is a squad led by potential Heisman Trophy candidate J.J. McCarthy at quarterback and a defense that is giving up just 231.4 yards per game, which is the best mark in the nation.

Of course, it could all come crashing down for Harbaugh off the field and if Michigan loses to No. 10 Penn State this weekend the Wolverines' CFP hopes will certainly be dampened.

For now, though, this is absolutely a team that can win it all. No wonder Harbaugh is enthused.