He also hinted that he wished the system was in place in 1997, when Michigan and Nebraska shared the national championship in Osborne's final season as football coach. "I know in 1997, we were in a difficult situation," Osborne said. "We were undefeated, and Michigan was undefeated, and we very badly wanted to play Michigan and we were pretty much a free agent and able to move at that time, but Michigan had contractual obligations with the Rose Bowl.