Jim Harbaugh recaps Michigan's 31-20 win over Indiana, says Wolverines have been in 'playoff mode.' Recorded Nov. 17, 2018. Nick Baumgardner, Freep
None of this happens without that spot.
If J.T. Barrett was marked short of the line to gain during that second overtime at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 26, 2016, every narrative surrounding Jim Harbaugh's Michigan tenure as you know it changes. Every one of them.
But they didn't mark him short. And instead of possibly surging toward a playoff in year two, Harbaugh watched a truckload of NFL talent graduate without a ring before seeing his name and record plastered next to Brady Hoke's on national sports shows 12 months later.