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Michigan Football National Title Has ESPN Pundit Backpedalling

A Michigan football national title win means this ESPN pundit has to admit that he was wrong — and he did.

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Michigan football, national title, Jim Harbaugh, ESPN, Paul Finebaum
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates after beating the Washington Huskies in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time since 1997, a Michigan football national title was brought back to Ann Arbor, MI, following the Wolverines’ 34-13 victory over Washington in Houston, TX, on Monday. All season long, Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines have faced the scrutiny of those in the media, especially ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum, who backed out of some previous comments following Michigan’s perfect 15-0 season.

ESPN host backpedals following Michigan football national title

ESPN show host and talking head Paul Finebaum practically led the charge against Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh a few months ago during the height of the sign-stealing allegations that arose back in October. Since then, Harbaugh and Michigan have all but disproven the impact of what is alleged — despite all that has come UM’s way, the Wolverines have remained perfect.

With Connor Stalions stepping down, Jim Harbaugh being suspended (twice), and more, the Maize and Blue still managed to beat Penn State, and Ohio State, win the Big Ten, win the Rose Bowl, and claim a National Championship Game victory — something that the program was yet to accomplish before this week.

Here’s what Paul Finebaum said after the Wolverines won a National Championship

After all of what has happened, Paul Finebaum is finally backing down when it comes to Jim Harbaugh, Michigan football, and their very legit National Championship win.

“I say congratulations (to Michigan),” said Finebaum. “I can’t explain it, but I was cheering for (Jim Harbaugh) last night … I don’t know if I have ever been more wrong about anything in my entire life.

“I didn’t think (Harbaugh) would ever beat Ohio State. … This is truly remarkable, and I don’t want to be wrong about something, you never want to be wrong, but if you’re going to be epically wrong — out of this universe wrong — I’ll take it, and I think Jim Harbaugh has silenced all those who doubted him in the early days. I’m not talking about what happened this year, that’s a whole different story; but in the end, he has proven everyone wrong.”

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan are No. 1

When ESPN analysts like Paul Finebaum are praising Jim Harbaugh, you know just how valuable a Michigan football national title truly is. The Wolverines have been close for years, but Team 144 always felt special, and Michigan fans can rest easy knowing that their Wolverines are back on top of college football for the first time in nearly 30 years.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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