Despite the interesting season for the Michigan Wolverines, head coach Jim Harbaugh is looking forward to playing in the Rose Bowl.
He’ll get to face Nick Saban and No. 4 Alabama — a relationship he’s had leading back years.
“Yeah, I mean, the kind of stuff you hope for, you work for, you’re playing for. To be in that position, nothing but the highest respect for Coach Saban,” Harbaugh said Sunday. “He’s always treated us with respect, and going back to when the first — I guess the first time I met him was when Michigan State was playing in the — Michigan State or Marquette at a Final Four in New Orleans. I think it was Marquette when Tom Crean was coaching there and he was at the game and we had a chance to have a conversation. Also a couple of the Heisman Trophy awards ceremonies when our players have been invited, whether it was at Stanford or Michigan.”
It’s a long anticipated return for Michigan after Harbaugh underwent an investigation into the team’s alleged sign-stealing resulting in suspensions.
Nonetheless, he got the Big Ten title on Saturday in shutout fashion against Iowa in a season that Harbaugh dubbed his team “selfless” in an undefeated season.
Two of the most well-respected and decorated coaches in college football will battle it out.
“Super interesting to talk to, and yeah, we’re going against the best,” Harbaugh said. “Tradition is — two true blue bloods of football, facing Alabama.”
The national championship game will be played on Jan. 8 in Houston.
