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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While all eyes will assuredly be on the College Football Playoff come Dec. 28, when Ohio State-Clemson and LSU-Oklahoma will take place, given the absence of Alabama — a team that’s been in every playoff since its 2014 inception — when Michigan and the Crimson Tide face off in the VRBO Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, it’ll assuredly draw just as much attention, or at least close to it.
Right now, Michigan looks like it will have its full complement of players in the game, which speaks not just to the bond of the team, but also the quality of opponent that Alabama is.
“It’s obviously not a team that we’re used to playing every year being a non-conference opponent,” senior team captain Ben Bredeson said. “We’re very excited about the challenge of playing them. Growing up and for the last 10 or so years, they’ve been a perennial power. Finally being able to play Alabama, it’s exciting, we’re looking forward to it. I believe it’s a good matchup for us.”
While most Michigan players or observers would have thought that getting a shot at Alabama meant that the Wolverines made it to the playoffs themselves, given some of the Crimson Tide’s injuries — namely to star QB Tua Tagovailoa — things didn’t quite work out that way, as the SEC powerhouse lost to playoff-bound LSU and rival Auburn in a closely contested game to end the season.
On Sunday, after the annual Schemmy Awards at Crisler Center, several Wolverines broke down the challenges that Alabama presents — and they’re numerous.
The SEC West and national power, despite the record and injuries, still has a cadre of likely first-round NFL Draft picks. Despite Tagovailoa being out for the season, the offense is still loaded, whether it be the four wideouts led by DeVonta Smith and Jerry Jeudy, or running back Najee Harris.
But the challenges start up front with a talented offensive line that boasts multiple high-end future NFL Draft first-rounders.
“I’m pretty sure they have a first-round guy at right tackle,” junior defensive end Kwity Paye said of Alabama RT Jedrick Wills. “I played against him in the All-American game in high school, so I know he’s a great tackle. The other one as well so. Playing against those guys will be huge.”
Given that Michigan’s defense has struggled against some of the top offenses it’s faced — Wisconsin and Ohio State bloodied the Wolverines, while Penn State made just enough damage to hold on for dear life after a quick start early — considering that Alabama has the nation’s 7th-ranked attack in yards-per-game, there’s a lot to cover.
It’s not just that the OL is solid — Alabama is fourth in the country in sacks allowed — but then there’s the aforementioned Harris, the nation’s 38th-best rusher — and the pass offense, ranked third in the nation, averaging 343.5 yards-per-game, the best Michigan will have seen to date.
“They have a very talented receiving corps, and they have a very talented O-line as well,” fifth-year senior linebacker Jordan Glasgow said. “I’ve seen their running back make a lot of plays. I’ve seen the running backs they’ve rotated in make a lot of plays. I’m pretty sure the quarterback they’ve rotated in (Mac Jones) has done very well. They put up a lot of points against Auburn in their loss. They’ve done well after Tua went down. I think we’re gonna be playing a great team. We’re going to be playing one of the best teams we’ve played all year, and we’ve gotta prepare for them.”
While the defense might have the biggest challenge, Alabama is no slouch still on its own defense, with the 17th-rated unit in the country coming in.
Michigan’s offense got rolling against Penn State and only slowed down at the half against the Buckeyes. But the Wolverines feel confident that they can keep the ball moving, especially given that offensive coordinator Josh Gattis was an assistant coach in Tuscaloosa a year ago.
But what are the challenges that the maize and blue will face going up against the Crimson Tide defense? Again, it’s multiple.
“They’re big, fast, strong and athletic, all along the board,” senior quarterback Shea Patterson said. “Incredible secondary. They’re very well-coached on defense and very explosive on offense. We’ll see if we can match that.”
All-in-all, it’ll be a tough game for the Wolverines, but should they be able to pull it out, it would be a huge statement for a program that’s trying to add its tenth win for the fourth time in five seasons.
Michigan and Alabama will kick off in the VRBO Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1 at 1PM EST at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
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