Even in a bowl game, Alabama football is must see television.
The coaching staff, players and fans stepped up Wednesday, as its matchup against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl surpassed 14 million viewers on ABC – the network’s most-watched bowl game since the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. For Nick Saban, he and the Crimson Tide earned a 35-16 victory over the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
Citrus Bowl Audience Surpasses 14 Million Viewers on ABC!
?Network’s Most-Watched Bowl Game Since 2010 National Championship
more: https://t.co/DGyGwd6JYm pic.twitter.com/rxGNxdRYZC
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) January 2, 2020
Mac Jones totaled his second 300-plus yard (327) passing performance in his fourth start, connecting on 16 of 25 attempts with three touchdowns.
His 85-yard strike to Jerry Jeudy was the second-longest scoring play in Citrus Bowl history. Jeudy totaled a game-high 204 yards receiving with one score on six receptions and was voted the game’s Most Valuable Player.
Najee Harris recorded his fifth 100-yard rushing game.
He finished with 136 yards on 24 carries with a pair of touchdowns.
It was his seventh consecutive game with at least one touchdown, dating back to the Tide’s win over Tennessee on Oct. 19.
RELATED: WATCH: Nick Saban, Alabama players speak on victory over Michigan in Citrus Bowl
Despite some early struggles on defense, Alabama held Michigan scoreless in the second half and forced two interceptions off Shea Patterson. The duo of Xavier McKinney and Anfernee Jennings both had 10 tackles apiece, while Shyheim Carter and Josh Jobe were credited with picking off Patterson.
Being in the Citrus Bowl is not the Alabama standard; however, seeing it establish confidence going into next season is a positive sign.
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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.
