Michigan football disrespected by ESPN's FPI ahead of 2023

Michigan football may very well be back, folks. That pains me to say as a Michigan State alum, but I can’t deny that the run Jim Harbaugh has been on since 2020 has been impressive.

Following that disappointing COVID-19 season that ultimately meant nothing, Harbaugh went from being squarely on the hot seat with most fans wanting him gone to two-time Big Ten title-winning head coach with back-to-back wins over top rival Ohio State.

Through his first six years as Michigan’s head coach, Harbaugh had zero wins over the Buckeyes and zero Big Ten title game appearances.

Then something clicked in 2021 and he decided to live up to his potential as the best coach in the Big Ten and now he has the best program two years running.

And yet he’s still not getting the respect he deserves.

ESPN FPI disrespecting Michigan

What do I mean he’s not getting any respect? Well, he’s owned Ohio State for two straight seasons and Michigan returns some of the most production in college football for the 2023 season, including its starting quarterback and Heisman-caliber running back, and yet ESPN’s FPI only gives the Wolverines a 14.3 percent chance to win the Big Ten.

Actually unreal. Even thought I hate Michigan with all my soul, I do know that the Wolverines are the favorites heading into the season. A 14 percent chance to win the conference after dominating it for two straight years? That seems low.

Even more egregious, Ohio State is given a 71 percent chance to win the league.

Look, I get that Ohio State will have a solid team this season and a potential playoff contender, but they can’t be the favorite to win the Big Ten again until Ryan Day proves he can beat Michigan regularly.