Jim Harbaugh: Michigan Should Be 'America's Team' for Win vs. Penn State amid Scandal

After No. 3 Michigan overcame the absence of head coach Jim Harbaugh to defeat No. 10 Penn State on Saturday amid the ongoing sign-stealing scandal, Harbaugh saw something special in his team.

"Watching this, I was thinking, 'This has gotta be America's team,'" Harbaugh told reporters on Monday.

Harbaugh was suspended by the Big Ten for Michigan's final three regular-season games amid the NCAA investigation into an alleged sign-stealing operation led by former employee Connor Stalions. He is still allowed to be with the team during the week and attend practices.

"This is not a sanction of Coach Harbaugh," the Big Ten said in a 13-page report explaining its decision. "It is a sanction against the University that, under the extraordinary circumstance presented by this offensive conduct, best fits the violation."

Despite being without their head coach this past Saturday, the Wolverines grinded out a 24-15 victory in a rivalry game against the Nittany Lions. Michigan totaled 227 yards on the ground with star senior running back Blake Corum leading the way with 145 yards and two touchdowns. The win drew an emotional response from offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who was elevated to interim head coach in place of Harbaugh:

Michigan players were also extra motivated to secure the victory in the wake of Harbaugh's suspension.

"We're one. It made us stronger," Corum said after the game. "Obviously, we wanted Coach Harbaugh to be here, but we did it for him today. We've been going through a lot lately, but it's only brought us closer together."

The Wolverines will try to do it all over again this week when they visit Maryland on Saturday.