The student-athletes at Alabama said all the right things this week, in terms of being focused on Michigan for the Citrus Bowl. Each player has given attention to details and judging from the ones who spoke during media availability, they know how important this game is.
“Finish” is a term that is written all over the program.
Whether it is a drill, a play or a game, the Crimson Tide has always prided itself on finishing strong in the 13 seasons of Nick Saban. It did not finish the regular season the way it wanted and Michigan will look to use it against them. While he has the utmost respect for Saban, let’s not forget that Jim Harbaugh was the one taking shots at him in his return to college football.
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Harbaugh not only called out Saban, but he has also targeted the Southeastern Conference as a whole – calling the league ‘a bunch of cheaters.’
He carries an overall record of 77-17 through five years at Michigan; however, Harbaugh has not won a Big Ten Championship and he struggles to dominate schools within his own conference.
Since 2015, he is winless in five tries versus Ohio State University and has a combined 8-6 record against Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin.
Even with the statistics, Harbaugh wants to take out an SEC program and Crimson Tide fans have been waiting on the opportunity to finally silence Harbaugh.
Both programs will face-off at Campus World Stadium on New Year’s Day in Orlando, Fla., and for the Wolverines, it has five players that look to be physical with the Tide.
Yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine breaks down the individuals below.
5. Zach Charbonnet, Freshman – RB
With him being regarded as a strong offensive mind, Harbaugh brings in a balanced attack– headlined by a freshman running back.
Zach Charbonnet has two 100-yard rushing games and leads the team with 642 yards and 11 touchdowns (team-high) on 136 carries.
He averages 4.7 yards per rush and Alabama’s defense front has had issues stopping the run all year.
The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder brings power, speed and toughness as a runner.
Through 12 games, the Tide allowed 135.1 yards rushing/game with nine scores.
Assistant coaches Pete Golding, Brian Baker and Sal Sunseri made sure in practice that players took correct angles to the ball and fitted gaps correctly. Michigan is going to run the ball to set Shea Patterson up for downfield shots.
Alabama must make Harbaugh’s offense a non-factor.
4. Nico Collins, Junior – WR
When it’s able to establish the run, Nico Collins becomes Patterson’s best friend.
Josh Gattis, formerly of the University of Alabama at wide receivers’ coach, is doing the same thing for the Wolverines.
Michigan, like the Tide, are littered with talented weapons yet Collins is the premiere name.
A native of Birmingham, Ala., the junior leads the group in touchdowns (seven) and yards per catch (20.6). The 6-foot-4, 222-pound specimen totals 681 yards receiving on 33 catches.
The group of Ronnie Brown, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black and Sean McKeon (tight end) are all good players, but Collins sets everything in motion as a deep threat.
3. Khaleke Hudson, Senior – LB
Raekwon Davis, Alabama’s senior at defensive end, raved about Michigan’s offensive line in player interviews.
Despite the senior leadership of the group, the Wolverines are nothing to sneeze on defense either. It carries a massive wall of experience along its defensive front with names such as Kwity Paye, Josh Uche, Aidan Hutchinson and Jordan Glasgow.
The unquestioned leader is Khaleke Hudson at inside linebacker.
A senior, Hudson will set all things in play to stifle the Tide’s offense under Steve Sarkisian.
Alabama must feature Najee Harris early and often, while setting Mac Jones in situations where he can deliver passes on time. Hudson leads the team in total tackles (96) and has three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three quarterback pressures, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
He and the Wolverines will bring pressure at certain moments.
2. Lavert Hill, Senior – DB
A lot of people are familiar with the name Daxton Hill, but Lavert Hill is the one Alabama should be aware of in the passing game. The senior defensive back has a team-high three interceptions and a team-high nine pass breakups.
He has very good ball skills and anticipates making the game difficult for the likes of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle.
1. Shea Patterson, Senior – QB
This is a name that Alabama and its fans should be very familiar with.
Shea Patterson faced the Tide as a freshman at Ole Miss in 2017 and his team was slaughtered, 66-3, at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
He is now the quarterback at Michigan and as a senior, he looks to improve his NFL Draft stock.
A product of IMG Academy, Patterson is a dual threat quarterback who has made improvements as a passer.
He chimes in with 2,828 yards and 22 scoring tosses to six interceptions.
Patterson also has five rushing scores on the season.
Although he’s improved some, Patterson still has a tendency to get frustrated and make poor decisions.
When he has faced elite defenses, he has been held to a completion percentage of 50 or lower.
Ohio State rendered him to connecting on 18 of 43 passes for a mark of 41.9%.
Sacks are fine, but the important thing for Alabama is to make Patterson feel uncomfortable inside and outside the pocket.
If it can create some turnovers and cash in on the opportunities, it will set the tone for what could be a very special year for the Tide next season.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
