Michigan’s seasoned and proficient football squad is confident in their ability to physically dominate Alabama Football during the Rose Bowl.
They believe they can assert their strength and push the Crimson Tide around on the field.
Michigan Wolverines are confident in their ability to assert dominance in the Rose Bowl, aiming to physically overpower Alabama Football, known for its ‘bully ball’ tactics in the SEC. Michigan openly plans to confront this style, stating their intention to confront the bully head-on.
While their boldness is commendable, there’s a risk of fueling Alabama’s motivation, although the Crimson Tide’s pursuit of a National Championship requires no added incentive. With both teams sticking to their strengths in the Playoff semi-final, Michigan’s offense heavily relies on power running, employing additional blockers against Alabama’s run defense. Alabama may adjust with their less frequently used base defense but could opt for situational substitutions due to Michigan’s deliberate pace.
Michigan’s strategy hinges on their running game, aiming to outmuscle Alabama, yet statistics reveal a potential challenge. Comparatively, eight teams faced by Alabama held higher yards-per-carry averages than Michigan. Notably, the Wolverines rank 72nd in FBS teams for yards per carry at 4.27, a figure that might present difficulties against Alabama’s defense unless Michigan employs unique tactics to perplex their opponents.
Achieving offensive balance is crucial for Michigan, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy offering accuracy in short to intermediate throws and agility under pressure. However, overreliance on McCarthy could backfire, considering Michigan’s struggle in pass protection against Penn State, resulting in limited passing attempts and defensive pressure on the quarterback.
Should Paul Finebaum’s characterization of Jim Harbaugh as a football ‘dinosaur’ hold truth, Michigan may enter the game without surprise elements against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
