The Michigan football team has been impressive on the field all year, but the focus hasn’t been on their performance in recent weeks.

The NCAA is investigating Michigan for alleged illegal sign-stealing, and the Wolverines have been without head coach Jim Harbaugh for the last two games. He also won’t be on the sidelines this weekend when Michigan plays rival Ohio State in the biggest game of the college football season.

Michigan football has been the best team in the Big Ten for the past two seasons, and they are having another outstanding season this year. However, once the investigation began, many people attributed the team’s success to cheating rather than to their ability to play football. Those narratives irritate Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy.

“Knowing how much blood, sweat, and tears we put into the season and all of the hours we put in just being diluted by a scandal and all that,” JJ McCarthy said, according to a Blue By Ninety article. “It’s unfortunate, but we have no control over it.”

We only focus on what we can control and strive to improve every day, rather than worrying about the rest. But it’s unfortunate that people don’t believe (Michigan football) worked hard to get to where we are.”

McCarthy has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country this season, and he was the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy before Michigan switched to a more run-heavy offense in their final two games.

This season, McCarthy has been extremely accurate and efficient, and over the last 11 games, he has improved his draft stock significantly.

Those who believe Michigan’s success is due to sign-stealing will have a tough time convincing themselves if the Wolverines win without Harbaugh this weekend. Last year, a huge performance from McCarthy willed Michigan to victory, and they will need that again this weekend to defeat the Buckeyes.

This Saturday’s game, which kicks off from Ann Arbor at noon ET, promises to be must-watch television. ‘The Game’ will premiere on Fox.