Before their Rose Bowl playoff game against Alabama, Michigan wants to win after falling in the semifinals in back-to-back seasons. The Wolverines fell behind early in both semifinals and had to play catch-up.
This season, Michigan must start and end well, especially against a well-coached and talented Alabama team.
Michigan has done well this year, and it must continue. In the final four games of the season, Michigan hasn’t looked as good as in its first nine, so the Wolverines can leverage their mistakes to win.
Let’s examine some of these to see how Michigan can win the National Championship.
Guard J.J. McCarthy
This is required regardless of the opponent, but Michigan’s pass protection has been a liability since Penn State. Due to Penn State’s edge rushers getting to McCarthy, Michigan switched back to a run-heavy approach in that game. Even in the Big Ten Championship, Iowa sacked McCarthy four times to confuse the offence.
Although Michigan has won these games, they will need to be multidimensional and able to pass the ball against a good opponent like Alabama. Without Zak Zinter, Michigan’s top offensive lineman, this will be harder; thus, Trente Jones and Karsen Barnhart must have good reps at right tackle and right guard before the game.
Also, Michigan must keep McCarthy from getting sacked and losing yards, but also limit him from taking too many hits to avoid impaired play. Alabama players like Dallas Turner will be ready, so Michigan must match their intensity.
Target Jalen Milroe
This is a vital goal regardless of who you play, but Michigan might do some damage here.
The Crimson Tide have allowed 43 sacks this season, ranking 122nd, making them vulnerable. Jaylen Harrell, Josaiah Stewart, and Braiden McGregor all talented edge rushers for the Wolverines, so it will be intriguing to see if they can capitalise.
Michigan has only one sack in playoff games against Georgia and TCU. Both offences ran efficiently and put Michigan in early holes.
Pressuring Jalen Milroe will prohibit him from having clear pockets and forcing him to throw on the run. Michigan has the athleticism around the defence to prevent Milroe from dominating on the ground if he needs to scramble.
Pressure has been missing the last two playoff games, thus fixing it might change the outcome.
Release tight ends
Roman Wilson leads Michigan in receiving with 662 yards and 11 touchdowns. McCarthy relies on him, but he and fellow receiver Cornelius Johnson will face two of college football’s top corners, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.
Michigan will need to get creative with tight ends Colston Loveland and A.J. Barner to impact the passing game. The two are mismatched in stature and athleticism, especially Loveland, who has played more in the second half.
They’re special talents, but this area could help Michigan advance. Alabama’s corners are a strength, but linebackers and safeties may be vulnerable to the passing game across the middle.
In Alabama’s only loss this season to Texas, a tight end proved crucial. Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell are pass-catchers, but tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders led the Longhorns in receiving with 114 yards. That’s a lot of production to match, but Michigan might use it as a model.
