Wolverines direct Style, welcome function as ‘bad guy’

• Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Staff WriterNov 6, 2023, 02:13 PM ET

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  • ESPN personnel writer
  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Finished from Central Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich.– Ric Style strutted out of Schembechler Hall on Monday and into a personal car.The previous pro wrestling legend was at Michigan to see Jim Harbaugh, as the 2 have actually been pals given that the Wolverines coach played with the Chicago Bears in the late 1980s.

Flair was called the bad guy in the fumbling world, and Harbaugh now discovers himself and the Wolverines being described as the villains of the college football world in the middle of allegations of sign stealing and in-person scouting that have actually set off an NCAA investigation.Despite what is being said outside the program, Michigan’s players aren’t avoiding the newfound target on their back and the criticism they’re receiving.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated “I understand there’s a great deal of sound going on

the beyond the structure,”Wolverines offending lineman Zak Zinter said.” Haven’t truly paid too, too much attention to it. But I imply if someone believes we’re the bad guy, I imply, I’m great being the bad guy. “You know, often the villain wins and removes the superhero. So

, if that’s got to be the case, let’s be the villain and let’s take them down. I’m fine with being the bad guy if that’s how the media and everyone else sees it outside the building.”Michigan’s program and former staffer Connor Stalions are being investigated

for in-person scouting, with Stalions supposedly paying people to go to challengers’games and tape-record their playcall signals from the stands.The NCAA likewise is investigating whether Stalions remained in disguise on the Central Michigan sideline throughout the Chippewas’game against Michigan State this season.Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel stated he will not be attending this week’s College Football Playoff selection committee meeting so that he

can manage “concerns relating to the ongoing examination.””I anticipate being back in the room with my fellow committee members next week and each week through completion of this season, “Manuel said Monday in a statement.Criticism likewise has actually come from opposing coaches, with Purdue’s Ryan Walter asking openly why there has actually been a hold-up in punishing Michigan as evidence mounts. Despite the criticism, Wolverines linebacker

Jaylen Harrell said the team is focused just on what’s happening on the field.”We do not truly react to it too much,”Harrell said.”We simply keep whatever, keep making the main point, I think [Harbaugh] stated recently, a one-track mind. We just focus on one day at a

time, whatever we have in front us, we deal with. “The Wolverines have actually dealt with every opponent this season, sitting at 9-0 and outscoring their opponents 114-0 in the 3rd quarter. Michigan has its most significant test upcoming with Penn State on the road Saturday.Although Michigan’s

players say they are not focusing on the outside sound, Harrell believes it has been an incentive.”I think it’s an additional little chip,”Harrell stated.”Whatever individuals got to state and, like I said, outside crowd noise, we don’t take note of it. But [our] main focus right now is prepare this week and prepare yourself to battle with Penn State. “Harbaugh stated he has actually seen his players stay focused, and he pointed out after the 41-13 win over Purdue that the controversy has actually been the ultimate incentive for his players. While he stated he is not able to discuss the examination, he dealt with the criticism and how he is viewing what is being said about him and the group.”

No one desires criticism, that’s why I work so hard to do everything right, both on and off the field,”Harbaugh stated. “Due to the fact that it’s been that way for a very long time, given that I was 22 years old. But if the criticism is directed to me and not my adolescent kids or the players on the football team, then I’m OK with it.”