Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a stupefying loss to TCU

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Linebacker Dee Winters #13 of the TCU Horned Frogs returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff Semifinal Fiesta Bowl football game against the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The TCU Horned Frogs won 51-45. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Linebacker Dee Winters #13 of the TCU Horned Frogs returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff Semifinal Fiesta Bowl football game against the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The TCU Horned Frogs won 51-45. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Is this how the Harbaugh era is destined to go or end

Jim Harbaugh is already on record that he will be back for the 2023 season, but what if the buzz to the NFL heats up again? Can he resist it forever?

Can he even win the big one? A lot of burning questions are going to be answered one day in the future, but for now all Michigan football can do is wait and hope for brighter days.

He’s turned the program around in two years to reign supreme over the Big Ten but just can’t get over the penultimate hump like he did not do in the NFL either. He’s proven that he is one of the elite coaches in the ranks, but when will he break the stigma of winning it all in either sport? Warde Manuel should offer him another extension for now and try to keep him honest to his word.

Michigan can then turn its focus to recruiting, specifically Nyckoles Harbor. It already has seven transfers in tow in important positions.

A lot of experience will return in 2023 so there should be no room for a drop-off. The schedule is challenging, but realistic where the Wolverines can be in line for another trip to the college football playoff. The task will be to win the whole thing as soon as humanly possible though.