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Michigan Football vs Rutgers 2023 (Patrick Barron)

Michigan Football vs Rutgers 2023 (Bryan Fuller)

So Jim Harbaugh's back. Have you seen this? Have you heard of this?

I mean not just the corporeal form of Jim Harbaugh. He'll tell you he never really left. He was at practice with the team these last four weeks, available for interviews, etc. Maybe he didn't even need to be there.  When your friend in the office says they could've coached Michigan to 3-0 to start this season, they were probably right. But the ship's captain is back. "Jim's Back" isn't just a physical manifestation, it's a vibe. A chaotic, hard-working, dorky, vibe that sums up where this program is at.

You know what I'm talking about. He may not be as loud as his 2015 self, the one that wanted to suit up or at least meet the opposing coach in open-field combat if both parties agreed to it. 2015 was eight years ago, but let's compare his first two years to now.
 

Aside from maybe some Touch Of Gray Just For Men, not much has changed.

And that fire he felt whenever the universe had wronged him and his team, well

Maybe the fire is still there, it's just controlled now.

2016 Jim had a dedicated cord guy to keep up with him during one of these moments. As a result of certain games, his game day play cards would be specifically clipped to him so that they wouldn't fly off in the direction of a referee or field of play. You could argue that this behavior cost some big moments, I would argue that this behavior was why they were there in the first place.

The Jim that has always been proud of his QB any time they made a great play is back.

When we say "Jim's back", it's not just his presence on the sidelines. It's the soul of the program that he dug up and sprung new life to.

You see it reflected in the players, good and bad.
 

Blake Corum called Jim a difference maker and that his presence means a lot to them. And why should that be hard to believe? You can see it in JJ. You could see it in the players after last year's Ohio State game. You could see it yesterday.

Jim's back.

About the Photographers

If you'd like to support us, one of the simplest things you can do is follow us on social media (links just below) where we post way more photos than here. In the offseason I also do a LOT of wildlife/national park photography. While we're not allowed to sell any of our sports photos per our credential agreement (sorry to anyone who reached out asking about one), I sell prints from my adventures which I sell on FineArtAmerica. You can buy prints (or just look at some pretty pictures) here: Patrick Barron Art Collections Or if you'd like, you can simply support me by buying me a coffee!

Social Media Accounts:

Patrick Barron:
Twitter: @BlueBarronPhoto
Instagram: @BlueBarronPhoto
Instagram (BUT WITH BEARS): @BlueBarronPhoto_Wild 

Bryan Fuller
Twitter: @FullOfTwitt
Instagram: @BryanFullerPhotography

[I do an 'art' after THE JUMP]

Mike Sainristil returning an interception that he earned through pure effort. The stadium reflected off his visor. Kenneth Grant screaming at the top of his lungs. The heat waves off the field painting the background. It also pays homage to the score of the 2016 game. Did I do an art?

Next week: road trip!