Michigan Football gets golden opportunity vs Alabama in Citrus Bowl

It was hard to know if Michigan football would land in a New Year’s Day Bowl but now the Wolverines have a golden opportunity against Alabama in the Citrus.

If winning bowl games is about motivation, then Michigan football should have a decent chance in the Citrus Bowl, even against perennial power Alabama.

The matchup, which was first mentioned as a possibility after last week’s College Football Playoff rankings, became official Sunday, at least according to Brett McMurphy, who reported the news on Twitter.

It was thought that Michigan football would go to either the Citrus, Gator or Holiday Bowl, but with Wisconsin and Penn State both getting selected as part of the New Year’s Six along with Ohio State going to playoff, it was down to the Wolverines and Minnesota.

And while the Gophers may have a better record at 10-2, Michigan football finished the season ranked higher in the playoff rankings and the Citrus would have been crazy to pass on the dream matchup of Michigan vs Alabama; Jim Harbaugh vs Nick Saban.

There has been some negative sentiment about the bowl matchup among Michigan fans, who rightly expect the team to struggle against a college football elite again.

More from GBMWolverine

• 3 things to watch for Michigan football vs. Rutgers
• Michigan football vs. Rutgers: Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 4
• Michigan Wolverines news: Jim Harbaugh wants J.J. McCarthy ‘gunslinging’, plus a drop in recruiting rankings
• Grades, game balls for Michigan football vs. Bowling Green
• Michigan Wolverines news: Jake Moody is money in the NFL, plus more

However, seeking a 10th win, a possible top-10 finish in the AP poll and a signature victory for this season and the program in general, Michigan could be more motivated than the Crimson Tide who missed the College Football Playoff for the first time ever.

Another factor could be guys that choose to skip the game. Josh Uche is one Michigan player that announced he was leaving for the NFL draft, however, he said he would play in the bowl game.

Following another disappointing loss to Ohio State, you would expect all the seniors and all the guys to play against Alabama. Much like the 2007 team, which defeated Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators in the Citrus, a win could have a significant impact on how the season is viewed.

Beating Alabama could also make a real difference on the long-term prospects of the program. One of the biggest issues has been struggling against Ohio State and other powers and this is another opportunity to put that to rest. It’s a chance to show this program can be elite teams under Harbaugh and that’s important, even if it’s a bowl game.

Clemson used bowl wins to get over the big-game hump earlier in the Dabo Swinney era and it’s possible a win in the Citrus Bowl could have a real impact for the Wolverines too.

It will end up as one of the most-anticipated matchups of the postseason and I can’t think of a better way to possibly end the season than with a win over the Crimson Tide.