No. 11 Michigan is taking on No. 17 Florida this Saturday afternoon from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. But Florida’s coaching staff might have a hard time preparing for UM’s exact personnel, because Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has yet to release a full-team roster for this season. UM’s official roster on its website hasn’t been updated from last season.
In the last few weeks, a reporter has filed a public records request in order to see the roster, and Florida head coach Jim McElwain took a swipe at the lack of one.
McElwain: "We haven't gotten into Michigan prep at all. When you guys get their roster let me know who we're playing." #Gators
— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) August 23, 2017
Michigan decided to cleverly respond by including in its game notes a 2017 roster featuring only former Wolverines who are now in the NFL.
Just got the UM-Florida notes. Here's a roster!!!!!! Lol lol pic.twitter.com/PFjVLvyJLX
— angelique (@chengelis) August 28, 2017
Harbaugh himself has gotten in on the fun. On Monday, he conveniently pointed out that Florida hasn’t decided on a quarterback either when asked who will start under center for the Wolverines.
#Wolverines Harbaugh says he isn't announce starting quarterback, added he has not seen any mention of starting QB by Florida
— FOX 2 Sports (@FOX2Sports) August 28, 2017
He also tweeted a picture of this “roster” from 1973.
St. Francis Principle Julie Pritzel Shredding old docs. Found this, Pretty old and a little yellow around the edges. 1973 was awhile ago! pic.twitter.com/hYadbJYLN4
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) August 26, 2017
Coach Harbaugh being secretive about who’s playing isn’t exactly brand new:
Last year, Michigan didn’t release game-week depth charts, unlike virtually all of its opponents. That inspired Colorado’s public relations staff, ahead of CU’s game at Michigan, to release a parody depth chart with names such as Elmer Fudd, Butch Cassidy, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on it. (Happy Gilmore was the punter.)
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As with anything with Harbaugh, you either love or hate the kind of stuff that he does. As for Florida, add the lack of an opponent’s roster along with the seven player suspensions, including star receiver Antonio Callaway, to the list of challenges while preparing for Michigan this week. The Wolverines are currently a 3-point favorite.