In a highly anticipated matchup between No. 2 Michigan and No. 9 Penn State, the Wolverines found themselves without their head coach, Jim Harbaugh. A judge had not yet issued a ruling on Michigan's attempt to lift the Big Ten's penalty against the team for a sign-stealing scheme. About 90 minutes before kickoff, Michigan confirmed that Harbaugh would not be present at Beaver Stadium and that a hearing regarding the school's lawsuit against the Big Ten was scheduled for November 17th.

In a statement, Michigan expressed its intention to demonstrate that the Big Ten had not acted legally or fairly. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore stepped in as acting head coach for the game and led the Wolverines onto the field. Michigan's athletic director, Warde Manuel, criticized the Big Ten and Commissioner Tony Petitti for acting unethically in banning Harbaugh from the team's final three regular-season games. Manuel argued that the decision was an assault on the rights of everyone in the conference.

The Big Ten's punishment came after an in-person scouting and sign-stealing operation conducted by a former low-level staffer was uncovered. The conference disciplined Michigan for the scheme, which is also under investigation by the NCAA. While Michigan contends that the NCAA investigation should play out before any punishment is imposed, the Big Ten maintains that Michigan has already admitted to the impermissible conduct.

Michigan has already played three games this season without Harbaugh, who served a school-imposed suspension for unrelated NCAA recruiting violations. The Wolverines won all three games by wide margins. Despite Harbaugh's absence, Michigan entered the game against Penn State with an undefeated record and a dominant performance throughout the season.

On game day, Michigan players, coaches, and staff arrived at Beaver Stadium to a small group of fans cheering them on. The Wolverines went through their normal warm-up routine, with star running back Blake Corum wearing a cap that read "Michigan vs. Everybody." The team remained focused on the game, determined to prove their excellence on the field.

In a defensive battle between two of the top-ranked teams in the country, Michigan's defense stifled Penn State, allowing only 238 total yards. Running backs Corum and Donovan Edwards combined for nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Wolverines to a 24-15 victory. The win pushed Michigan to a 10-0 record.

Despite the success on the field, the controversy surrounding Harbaugh's suspension and the sign-stealing scandal continues to overshadow the team's accomplishments. The court system's delay in ruling on the temporary restraining order filed by Harbaugh adds further uncertainty to the situation. The outcome of the November 17th hearing will determine whether Harbaugh can return to the sidelines for Michigan's remaining games.

Michigan will face Maryland in their next game before their highly anticipated matchup against archrival Ohio State. The outcome of these games will determine Michigan's chances of winning a third consecutive Big Ten championship and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain on Michigan as the team fights for its reputation and Harbaugh's coaching future hangs in the balance.