The Wolverines gave a nod to currently suspended head coach Jim Harbaugh during their season-opener against East Carolina on Saturday.
On its first offensive snap of the season, No. 2 Michigan lined up in a single file, “train” line formation behind center Drake Nugent. It was reminiscent of when Harbaugh and the Wolverines rolled out a similar strategy against Wisconsin in 2016.
All 11 Wolverines raised their hands in a No. 4, which is the jersey number that Harbaugh wore during his playing days.
Some Wolverines also wore shirts that said “Free Harbaugh” on them during pregame, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Harbaugh is currently serving a self-imposed, three-game suspension to start the season. He had been facing a four-game suspension after alleged Level II NCAA violations that Harbaugh and his staff met with recruits during a “so-called dead period,” according to multiple reports.
Michigan took a 23-0 halftime lead over the Pirates. McCarthy threw 181 passing yards alongside two touchdowns after the first two quarters.
