The players for Alabama football have turned the page to its bowl matchup against Michigan.
It wanted to be in the 12-team College Football Playoff, but the Crimson Tide understands this was not on the CFP Selection Committee. A few players spoke to reporters Thursday as the Tide begins practice for the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.
Jihaad Campbell, a junior inside linebacker, is excited about facing the Wolverines.
Alabama LB locked in on rematch versus Michigan in bowl game: “Hell yeah, I’m playing”
The New Jersey native did not give the mindset of opting out a thought because he wants to be on the field. Campbell, who made first-team All-SEC, detailed why it has been simple for the Tide to move on from not making the playoff and focus on Michigan.
“It is on us. We all know that,” Campbell said about Alabama taking ownership in not making the playoff. “I think a lot of people wanted to put it on the CFP Committee, but during the season we were not doing what we were suppose to do. We were not being consistent. We gave the committee a decision to make upon us. If we would have won out every game during the season and did what we did, we would be in a playoff game. But right now, we are focused on going to Tampa and playing Michigan.”
Alabama fans can appreciate the honesty from Campbell. He is the team’s leader in total tackles (106), solo tackless (54), tackles for loss (11.5), and sacks (five). Campbell also has two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and an interception. He knows this team was more than capable of making the playoff, but he also understands the team took moments for granted. Campbell looks forward to leading the defense to a victory over Michigan.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
