Nick Saban has something new to happen to him for the first time at Alabama.
Three years in a series have passed, and the Crimson Tide won’t have a national championship. Alabama suffered a 20-27 loss to Michigan on Monday in the Rose Bowl. The Tide’s season came to an end as it could not match the Wolverines’ score in overtime.
Tommy Rees and Jalen Milroe did not have their finest performance. Milroe totaled just 116 yards passing and Rees’ play-calling was suspect. Alabama’s offensive line surrendered seven sacks to Michigan’ defense. Seth McLaughlin, a senior, had several bad snaps — including two that killed a potential scoring drive. Jase McClellan, Will Reichard, and James Burnip were the bright spots for Alabama. McClellan, a senior running back, totaled 87 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Reichard, a fifth-year senior, made two 50+ yard field goals. Burnip, a senior punter, had five of his seven punts pin Michigan inside the 20-yard line.
Justice Haynes, a freshman running back, gave a spark with 31 yards on four carries. Alabama did not have the intensity it needed to have to beat Michigan. The Tide enters the offseason with questions that need to be answered.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
