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In 2019, Michigan failed its biggest test defensively, as the current No. 5-ranked Ohio State offense took it to the No. 7 defense.
Come Jan. 1, the Wolverines’ defense has a chance at a reprieve.
With a matchup against the vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide in the VRBO Citrus Bowl, Michigan will face yet another top ten offense, as Bama commands the No. 7 attack in the country. In the 7-vs.-7 matchup, the maize and blue will not see star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, however, as he was declared out for the season after a late-season injury forced him out. But, Alabama counters with Mac Jones, a mostly unknown quantity, but who was able to duel against Auburn while putting up similarly gaudy numbers as his predecessor.
Speaking with Jon Jansen on the Inside Michigan Football radio show, Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown shared what he sees in Jones, a 70% passer who has 11 touchdowns to 3 interceptions and is just a hair behind Tagovailoa in yards-per-attempt, averaging 10.1.
“Doesn’t run very much, but neither did Tua,” Brown said. “But he is a very capable pocket thrower. Has a great understanding of their offense and is a very solid competitor. I haven’t seen much differently. Obviously, you look at the Auburn game and it’s a 48-45 shootout. He was going step for step with Auburn as well. He’s a good quarterback. He’s very capable. He can make all the throws. He’s certainly going to present us some challenges.”
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Of course, it’s the players that Jones will be throwing to — as well as tailback Najee Harris, a familiar name to Michigan fans — that pose the threat.
From leading receiver DeVonta Smith to likely top ten NFL Draft pick Jerry Jeudy, the Crimson Tide have a bevy of pass catchers who can stretch the field. In fact, Alabama has three receivers who have more yards than Michigan’s top guy in Ronnie Bell — and in the case of Smith, it’s nearly 500 yards more.
The way Brown sees it, Alabama has NFL talent absolutely permeating its offense.
“Yeah, these guys are very talented,” Brown said. “They’ve got two very good receivers, for sure. And the two tackles are equally as talented. From a talent standpoint, it’s all over the field. Obviously, they’re going to present some challenges for us as well.”
Considering Brown’s defense is predicated upon getting pressure up front, facing Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills on the edges presents a sizable challenge.
Brown addressed that more directly, noting that despite the men on the other side of the ball, he’s confident in who he has trying to move through and around them.
“We’re pretty talented up front as well,” Brown said. “Aidan Hutchinson’s really had a tremendous year. Really all the way through. So obviously he and Kwity Paye and Mike Danna will all three of those guys divide pretty much the tackle’s attention, both tackle’s attention. We feel like we matchup there really well. But obviously the one thing, when you think about us, we can’t be stagnant. We can’t stand still in front of them. We’ve gotta move and groove and do the things that have gotten us to be fifth or sixth in the country in total defense.”
Michigan and Alabama will face off on Jan. 1 at 1PM EST in the VRBO Citrus Bowl, which is held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.