The Rose Bowl game between Michigan and Alabama football is getting closer. On January 1, the Crimson Tide and Wolverines will square off in the College Football Playoff semifinal with the chance to play for a national championship against either Texas or Washington.
Michigan, which is ranked No. 2 in FBS behind only Penn State, comes into the game with a formidable defense. These three players could be vital to the Crimson Tide’s success before Alabama’s offense takes on the difficult task.
Jalen Milroe
The quarterback will always have the upper hand. This season, Milroe has a well-documented redemption story; after struggling against Texas and sitting against South Florida, he finished sixth in the Heisman voting.
Milroe complicates matters for any defense. His strengths—especially his exceptional arm talent, which can take the top off and produce big plays for the Crimson Tide—have been tailored to the Alabama offense.
Additionally, he has demonstrated exceptional speed and rushing ability, which confuses the opposition when he rushes for a first down. To be successful against a strong Michigan defense, the Tide needs Milroe to perform at his highest level.
Isaiah Bond
This season, Alabama’s deep ball has been a vital component of their offense. Mostly, his wideouts have been able to make the plays, and Milroe has the arm to make any throw down the field.
The Crimson Tide have a number of quick wide receivers this season, including Bond. Bond has exceptional speed and the ability to dart under Milroe’s passes, but Jermaine Burton is frequently the deep threat that opposing teams focus on.
His most famous play was a spectacular catch on a Gravedigger play on a fourth-and-goal from the 31-yard line that preserved Alabama’s season against Auburn in the Iron Bowl. However, Bond is a dangerous deep threat whenever he’s on the field, and the Crimson Tide’s offense would benefit greatly if he could score a touchdown in the CFP semifinal.
Seth McLaughlin
The center for Alabama has struggled in a number of ways this season. He had serious snapping problems early on, a problem that resurfaced in the Auburn game when UA faced a fourth-and-31 late in the game due to a snap taken before Milroe was ready.
McLaughlin also missed a few blocks against Georgia in the SEC title game, which negatively impacted Alabama’s offense. When facing the Wolverines, that is not possible.
McLaughlin is more than capable of being an outstanding offensive player. To help Milroe and company run the offense successfully, he will need to put on a fantastic performance in the Rose Bowl.
One of the best defenses in college football is Michigan’s. Despite recent improvements, Alabama’s offensive line has allowed far too many sacks this season.
Against the Wolverines, the encouraging trend must continue. If that is to occur, a significant role will need to be played by the seasoned leader in the middle of the line.
