Michigan’s coordinator and a few of their players took the podium to talk with the media before their matchup with Alabama on Wednesday.
Here is what they had to say about playing Alabama in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl:
Michigan Defensive Coordinator, Don Brown
on Alabama’s defense
“Oh, they’re pretty good now. They’ve got a nice group. You know, it sounds like
DeVonta Smith is back at practice so that just enhances their ability to get down the field. Jerry Jeudy,
obviously, Bilentinikoff winner a year ago. Ruggs, Waddle and Metchie, with some of the injuries that
they’ve dealt with, has made a name for himself as a young guy as well.
So we understand the challenge that’s in front of us. We’re confident in our ability, you know.
You know, you’re not going to beat them one way. You’re going to have to play a number of different
coverages. And, you know, we’re confident in our ability to do that.”
Michigan DC Don Brown raves about Alabama RB Najee Harris:
“He’s the best jump-cut RB I have seen. Does a good job in changing directions. We have to tackle him. Can’t one arm him.”
Harris during the 2017 cycle was thought of as a strong lean to the Wolverines at one point. pic.twitter.com/yuomFDzO7v
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) December 29, 2019
On Alabama’s wide receivers:
“Boy, I’m going to have to say top three to five. One year at BC, we had Sammy
Watkins and company when we faced Clemson. And, you know, I would think this group might have
some similar traits. But the bottom line is, when you have four of them, that makes it a significant
challenge because you’ve got to be strong at all your defensive back positions and, you know, your
linebacker’s got to be in sync in the coverages that we’ll utilize. So this is probably the deepest group
across the board. But, you know, [we’ve] seen individual talent like these guys in the past.”
Michigan Quarterback, Shae Patterson
On Playing Alabama as a freshman
“Yeah. Completely different. I was watching the film my freshman and sophomore year and it is just I mean, it is completely different. ”
Michigan Offensive Coordinator, Josh Gattis
On Alabama’s defense
“This defense is very talented. Coach Saban and Coach Golding have done a really
good job putting together this defense facing some of the challenges that they have had this year as far
as injuries.”
“But they played pretty good throughout the year. You know, you look at them, one of the
things that stand out is they are second in the country in turnover margin, so obviously creating
turnovers but also offensively for them doing a really good job of maintaining the football. So they
present a number of different challenges that we have been preparing for and we are looking forward
to the battle.”
On DeVonta Smith
“Absolutely. DeVonta Smith is a great player. He is a great young man. He is a
student of the game. Constantly we spend time in the offense. I told people after the season last year,
had he not gotten hurt and faced some of the injuries he faced towards the end of the year, that a lot
of people would have been talking about him as much as some of the other guys in the room.”
