PASADENA, Calif.—Michigan arrived at the Rose Bowl with plenty of baggage. 

There was the coach, Jim Harbaugh, once again dogged by rumors that he will imminently depart for the National Football League, and with a dismal bowl game record of one win in seven tries. There was its recent history—two previous trips to the College Football Playoff that both ended in losses. There were the twin scandals, yet to be resolved by the NCAA.