Three weeks separate the college football world from a Rose Bowl matchup between Alabama and Michigan.
Both programs will play each other on New Year’s Day for an opportunity to advance into the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday, Jan. 8. Michigan has offensive playmakers who are excited to attack the Crimson Tide’s defense; however, a coach on Nick Saban’s staff has a chance to have his finest game in his third trip to the CFP.
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Tommy Rees, the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator, has improved Alabama’s offense. Jalen Milroe is playing confidently, Alabama’s offensive front is blocking well, wide receivers are making plays, and the running backs are performing well.
Rees assisted the offense to five 40+ point games, including three straight matchups against LSU (42), Kentucky (49), and Chattanooga (66). Michigan presents the best defense the Tide would have faced all season, allowing 9.5 points a game.
The Wolverines allowed 20 or more points in two games (Maryland and Ohio State) and posted two shutouts.
Michigan has several playmakers on its defensive front, including Jaylen Harrell as its leader for sacks.
Harrell has 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and a pass breakup. Mike Sainristil, a senior defensive back, leads the Wolverines for breakups (six) and interceptions (five). He has two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Will Johnson, a sophomore defensive back, has three takeaways — including one returned for a touchdown. Milroe needs to take what Michigan gives him, and Rees has to create a game plan to take advantage of any weakness the Wolverines may have. Rees discovered in the second half that Georgia allowed Alabama to have the underneath routes. He started calling those for Milroe to wide receivers Isaiah Bond and Kobe Prentice. It opened the offense up for wheel routes to Jam Miller and post patters to Jermaine Burton. Michigan will probably take away the deep ball shots, forcing Milroe to be patient. He has to grow more in consistently making the short to intermediate throws, and Rees needs to put him in situations to be dynamic.
Alabama has to mix up its run-and-pass game to keep the Wolverines off balance.
Michigan has an elite group, but a masterful game plan from Rees can take advantage of it.
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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.
