Jim Harbaugh Sent Michigan's Kicker to Try a 59-Yard Field Goal and it Wasn't Even Close
By Karl Rasmussen
What on earth was Jim Harbaugh thinking here? The Michigan Wolverines were trailing against Penn State as the first half neared its end, and on fourth down around midfield, rather than punt the ball away, Harbaugh sent the Wolverines kicker out to attempt an incredibly long 59-yard field goal attempt. Sounds reasonable, right?
Well, as you expected, the kick was WAY short. And almost immediately, Twitter erupted with fans questioning Harbaugh's decision-making.
Michigan's 58-yard field goal doesn't make it to the back of the end zone. That was silly. Penn State now gets the ball at its own 41 for another shot at points with :51 left in the half.
— Greg Pickel (@GregPickel) October 20, 2019
Penn State was handed the ball at the 41-yard line and was given an opportunity to add to their lead ahead of halftime. While they didn't capitalize, the careless decision from Harbaugh got fans riled up.
Michigan: Yeah, but did you see the degree of that field goal attempt
— Banner Society (@BannerSociety) October 20, 2019
Considering Jake Moody has never hit a field goal from beyond 48 yards out, Harbaugh was out of his mind to think this one even had a chance.
@CoachJim4UM thinks Moody has a better chance at making a 60yd field goal than the offense does at gaining 4yds...That tells us a lot about ole Jim and this offense.
— Fon (@TheRealBigFon) October 20, 2019
It bounced before reaching the back of the end zone and the Nittany Lions all of a sudden were sitting pretty in Wolverines territory.
We're really hoping Harbaugh is asked about this moment after the game, because hearing his response will be pure gold.
Try a 58 yard field goal down by 14 right before the half #MICHvsPSU
— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) October 20, 2019
Dear University of Michigan,
Please do not fire Coach Harbaugh
Sincerely,
Buckeyes fans
He's proving week in and week out that he's the most overpaid coach in college football, and his decision-making gets more questionable with each passing game.