Analyst calls for Big Ten to punish Michigan football

Yesterday, the first official 2023 College Football Playoff rankings were revealed, with the Maize and Blue coming in at No. 3 in the nation to start in November. While Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football are in the middle of a huge NCAA investigation into alleged illegal sign-stealing, it sounds like the Wolverines will have their chance at finishing the season and potentially competing for a Big Ten and national title this fall. That said, analyst Paul Finebaum is upset — to say the least — with the conference and its lack of action against Michigan.

Analyst calls for Big Ten to punish Michigan football

The NCAA’s investigation into Michigan football will not be finished before the end of the 2023 season, so there is not much that they can do in terms of punishment for Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines at the moment. Additionally, the College Football Playoff committee deemed the sign-stealing scandal an “NCAA issue, not a CFP issue,” so there is nothing on that front for Michigan fans to worry about, either.

This means that it is all up to the Big Ten Conference if Michigan football is to receive punishment; however, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, there is almost no chance that the conference steps in before the season ends, especially since Michigan is a national title contender right now.

Paul Finebaum publicly slams Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines again, calls for action from the Big Ten

Still, that did not stop Paul Finebaum from slamming Michigan football yet again — this time, calling for the Big Ten Conference to punish the Wolverines and more.

“I mean (the sign-stealing scandal) is a disgusting story with every revelation which happens every single day of the week,” Paul Finebaum said this morning. “And the fact that the Big Ten has not done anything yet is inexcusable. That’s the only mechanism to stop this train, and quite frankly, a lot of people think it should be stopped. It’s up to Tony Pettiti — the new Big Ten commissioner — to step in. They’re the only people with jurisdiction.

“The NCAA could be looking at this for the rest of our lives,” he added. “And as far as whether Jim Harbaugh goes to the NFL, that’s really up to NFL franchises whether or not they want to get in business with this guy right now.”

Harbaugh looking at a new contract amid sign-stealing scandal

For whatever it is worth, the NCAA and Michigan have reportedly met to discuss the findings thus far. Soon after reviewing what the NCAA has, the University of Michigan decided to move forward on a new contract for Jim Harbaugh that will make him the highest-paid head coach in the entire Big Ten — take that for whatever you think it’s worth.

Despite what Paul Finebaum and many rival fans want, Michigan football will likely get their shot to finish the season and compete for a title. Jim Harbaugh and his team will host Purdue this weekend (in a night game) before a grueling two-game road trip against No. 11 Penn State and Maryland. Finally, in Week 13, No. 1 Ohio State will come to town for yet another massive and thrilling matchup in “The Game.”

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