Your Five Things For December 31st: Suh Wins Appeal

1. Harbaugh Officially Announced As University of Michigan Coach

Yesterday afternoon, Jim Harbaugh was named the head coach of the University of Michigan.  Harbaugh had parted ways with the 49ers after a win on Sunday. Harbaugh had previously coached at San Diego University and Stanford before taking the job with the San Francisco 49ers.  Harbaugh is set to make $5 mil over the next 7 years plus incentives.  Some incentives include playing in a college football playoff game, winning a national championship and winning coach of the year honors in the Big Ten.  The base salary is the same as it was with the 49ers.  Check out the press conference and all the contract information here.

2. Suh Wins Appeal; Will Play Sunday In Dallas

Ndamukong Suh has won his appeal against the NFL and will play this Sunday in Dallas against the Cowboys.  The hearing officer, Ted Cottrell, ruled that the one-game suspension will be reduced to a $70,000 fine.  Suh was originally suspended for stepping on Green Bay Packers quarterback twice last Sunday.  Suh finished the season with 8.5 sacks which lead the team this year.

3. Michigan State Loses Big Ten Home Opener In Double OT Thriller

Last night, Michigan State welcomed Big Ten newcomer Maryland to the Breslin Center in the first Big Ten game of the year.  After a sloppy first half, Maryland and Michigan State both picked up the pace on offense with Maryland winning in double overtime 68-66.  Michigan State and Maryland scored a combined 31 points in the first half.  Travis Trice was the leading scorer with 26 points. He was the only Spartan in double figures for the game.  Michigan State shot 32.3% and 22.7% from behind the arc.  Marylands Melo Trimble and Dez Wells were the two scorers in double figures for the Terrapins.  Maryland only shot 33% from the field but shot over 85% from the free throw line which ultimately helped propel Maryland to the victory.  Michigan State's next game will be after the first of the year against Indiana at the Breslin Center.

4. Pistons Continue Winning Ways

The Pistons are trying to extend the current win streak as they traveled to Orlando to take on the Magic.  The Pistons took control in the 2nd quarter scoring 34 points and never looked back winning 109-86.  Jodie Meeks lead the Pistons off the bench scoring 34 points with 27 points coming from behind the arc.  Former Indiana star Victor Oladipo lead the way for Orlando scoring 16 points.  Andre Drummond had another double-double scoring 17 points and grabbing 22 rebounds.  The Pistons will play again after the New Year in New York as they take on the struggling Knicks.

5. Michigan Tops Illinois In Overtime

After the Harbaugh introduction, the basketball team took the court as they hosted Illinois in their basketball opener.  Michigan started off slow but finished strop topping the Illini in overtime 73-65.  Michigan had 4 scorers in double figures with Aubrey Dawkins leading the game with 20 points off the bench.  At halftime, Jim Harbaugh addressed the sold out Michigan crowd .  Michigan's next basketball game will be on January 3rd as they travel to Purdue to take on the Boilermakers.