Friday was always going to be an interesting day for the Michigan football program. The NCAA Committee on Infractions is holding its hearing on the Wolverines over the next two days, and it's a day that fans have been waiting for.
Ohio State fans have been celebrating and waiting for the 'hammer" that they hope will wipe away the past four losses to Michigan football.
That's not going to happen. Michigan didn't use ineligible players, so vacating wins isn't on the table, and no credible news outlet has suggested that it is.
A postseason ban also seems highly unlikely, and Michigan would go to court over that. However, there is a curveball of sorts, as Connor Stalions, the man alleged to have orchestrated the advanced scouting operation, has shown up for the hearing in person, according to Pat Forde of SI.
"Perhaps Stalions cooperated with the NCAA investigation more than we've known, but it would be surprising for someone who stonewalled investigators to show up at the hearing. However, if Stalions wants to coach in college again -- and defend Michigan -- that could explain it," Forde opined.
Connor Stalions has long maintained that Michigan didn't break any rules
Michigan has never interviewed Stalions about his role in the advanced scouting operation. He contends that he didn't break any rules, and certainly buying tickets for people to attend college football games isn't against a rule. Neither is recording something while at the game as a fan.
So we'll see what evidence the NCAA has, and what role Stalions has to play in all of this. It could be good for Michigan. It could be bad. But things did get more interesting now that Stalions is in the building.