Michigan’s football program is having a historic 2021 season.
Oddsmakers set the Wolverines’ win total at 7 1/2 after they struggled in 2020. But Michigan has soared over that total, entering the College Football Playoff semifinal with a 12-1 record.
There’s been no shortage of key highlights and memorable moments this season. Here’s 10 stories that you might have missed before No. 2 Michigan faces No. 3 Georgia in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 31 in Miami.
‘2%’ — the stat that fueled Michigan’s drive to victory over Iowa
The Wolverines were predicted to finish fourth in the Big Ten East this season, and very few viewed them as a Big Ten title contender. But a 42-13 victory over Iowa on Dec. 4 capped an improbable Big Ten title run and propelled them into the CFP. After the win, players talked about how Michigan was given a 2% chance to win the conference crown this year and how that fueled them heading into the game.
Jim Harbaugh’s throwback approach, Michigan finally find a way
The Wolverines snapped an eight-game losing streak against Ohio State on Nov. 27, and Harbaugh silenced critics by beating the program’s rival to the south and punching a ticket to the Big Ten championship. But the preparation for the big game game started long before the two teams took the field at Michigan Stadium.