Michigan currently a 2 point favorite over Alabama
December 3rd, 2023 at 1:58 PM ^
Actually the rose bowl is a preferred venue against Bama. Most of the other venues are in SEC country, so there is that and also I think natural grass can neutralize some of the speed advantage. I know it usually doesnt rain in Southern California, but its an el nino year so there is that possibility as well.
Look, it's going to be a tall task but if there is a year to beat them it's this one.
December 3rd, 2023 at 2:01 PM ^
We need to look back to 2000. Alabama stuffed Anthony Thomas and our running game (A-Train netted only 40 yards on 18 attempts) and Carr was willing to let Senior Tom Brady sling it -- 34/46 for 369 and 4 TD.
I foresee a similar issue with rushing the football in this year's game. So, will Harbaugh be willing to put the game on JJ's shoulders and let him cook? I sure hope so. Also, who among the receiving corps is going to step up for their David Terrell (10 catches for 150 and 3 TD) moment?
We'll need good answers to those questions, because that's what it's going to take on offense.
December 3rd, 2023 at 2:07 PM ^
I dont know if pass protection can hold up to allow for that. I hope it does, but it was really shaky vs. Iowa and Bama has a better line. I think the routes need to be simpler, the plays are taking too long to develop and JJ just doesnt have the time.
With respect to the running game, I'd like to see Mullings get more carries. He has better YAC than either Edwards or Corum.
December 3rd, 2023 at 2:41 PM ^
I agree, but I don't think Michigan will have a choice. Bama will scheme to stop the run, and JJ will have to be given the scheme to shine.....we're probably going to have to get him moving, rolling out, etc. Fortunately, he excels there too.
The elephant in the room is Michigan's bowl prep and in-game coaching/playcalling. They have to learn the TCU lessons and be aggressive, no matter what.
December 3rd, 2023 at 5:14 PM ^
May not be popular, but I think half of this month should be devoted to maximizing the effectiveness and deceptiveness of the 7-man line with the available roster. (Getting everyone to speed *and* taking it certain steps beyond what we gave PSU.) And then having that fraction of practice devotion show up ~proportionately in the game.
If the ground game is key to beating Bama, and it has to be *a* key, then we beat them by making them gap unsound.
December 3rd, 2023 at 2:32 PM ^
Lloyd Carr offense looks like an air raid offense compared to post-2020 Michigan.
December 3rd, 2023 at 2:15 PM ^
I'm glad we are at the rose bowl instead of playing down south at the sugar bowl
December 3rd, 2023 at 2:19 PM ^
I. Am so excited that M drew Bama! It’s the only way to shut up the SEC, ESPN and the bunch on 11w. It couldn’t have been drawn up better IMO. Georgie pushed out by Bama, then Michigan and Bama and thier vaunted and talented QB. Sooner or later you have to beat the best to be the best. Saban is a great coach. And if this isn’t our year to deal with it I cant see it happening in my lifetime. Im not getting any younger and I waited for a team that had a shot. Get better JJ and it’s ok to throw the ball away now and then! Go Blue!!
December 3rd, 2023 at 2:41 PM ^
The team needs to get healthy. Harbaugh needs to get this team prepared. I want to see our best effort in this game. No more coming out slow and looking like crap in these playoff games.
December 3rd, 2023 at 3:07 PM ^
Everyone is undervaluing Michigan other than fans and apparently the committee who ranked Michigan #1. Everyone thinks our offense is trash because of how they performed in last 4 games, which I can concede there has to be some concern for the coaches, but they've done enough to grind out the wins and last I checked its a total team effort not just offense. Anyways, a lot of other fanbases and hopefully their teams too think we aren't good enough. At least they don't say we're soft, one thing no one says about Michigan is that they're soft.
December 3rd, 2023 at 3:59 PM ^
We just need Finebaum to resurrect his talking point. "No, no, no," he said. "Greeny you can ask me this question until I'm 150 and the answer is still no. I don't think this Michigan team - although they are better than they have been, significantly better - can beat “ Alabama. “ This is a really good, if not great” Alabama “ team and I think there is something in Jim Harbaugh's brain. I don't know what it is, I don't really want to know. He is incapable, incapable Greeny of beating." The mighty Bama.
December 3rd, 2023 at 5:59 PM ^
We'll have to play 1 safety and a spy for a lot of the game, as Milroe is their entire offense. He'll get at least a dozen designed runs, and no doubt a number of scrambles under pressure. I anticipate he'll cough up 2 or more.