New York Times bestselling author John U. Bacon's latest book, "Overtime: Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines at the Crossroads of College Football," will give readers an unprecedented look at the inner workings of Michigan's 2018 season.
The book, set to be released on Sept. 3, details both the highs and lows of Michigan's season, from its 10-game winning streak — including three straight over ranked opponents — to bookend losses to Notre Dame, Ohio State and Florida. Yet it focuses less on the results and more on Harbaugh's behind-the-scenes approach.
MORE: Sporting News preseason top 25
"Overtime" delivers with unexpected results even Bacon wasn't sure he would find, and it is an accessible read much like his previous works "Endzone" and "Playing Hurt."
"If you care about college football, then you have to care about the players," Bacon told Sporting News. "This book gets to the player's perspective about as well any book that I've done. I think it's fascinating to see it, how the machine works, from the inside-out and not the outside-in."
Of course, Michigan's fifth-year coach is one of the book's primary focuses. Bacon does an excellent job of showing the changes Harbaugh has made since becoming head coach, seamlessly weaving his journey into that position with insight from brothers John Harbaugh and Jack Harbaugh.
Of particular interest to Michigan fans will be the book's details on just how integral Jim Harbaugh has been in improving Michigan's academics on the football side, a process that includes an interesting competition he began when he was the head man at Stanford.
"The job is harder than most because at Harvard they don't care that much if you lose," Bacon said. "At other places, they don't care much if you cheat. At Michigan they care a great deal about both, and that makes it a harder job in my opinion."
The best part of the book, however, is the candid introspection from several players on last year's roster — including Chase Winovich, Devin Bush and Karan Higdon — and legacy players Jack Wangler and Joe Hewlett. Those stories are weaved into last year's season, and how it impacted their lives as student-athletes. Ben Bredeson, a top returning offensive lineman, is also profiled.
The section on last year's Michigan State game will get the most attention, but the profile of Grant Newsome, who suffered a career-ending injury in 2016 but has since found other ways to contribute, is a profound part of the book as well.
"The players were completely open," Bacon said. "I interviewed those eight guys almost every week through the entire season and afterward. What did it mean to them? In the process, you find out other things."
Bacon profiles the videographers, nutritionists, strength coaches and more for a comprehensive look at one of the most scrutinized programs in the country. It also shows Harbaugh the person instead of the combative football coach.
"Harbaugh's relationship with his players would be unexpected for those who are outside the building," Bacon said. "He cares about them personally and proves it many ways. That includes Grant Newsome, who can't win him any games but still is part of the family.
"I think that people would be surprised how much Jim cares about his players as students and as people."
"Overtime" can be pre-ordered here.
