The task for Michigan football is insurmountable, but it’s the roadblock needed to get the program into rarefied air status with an upset win.
Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan football team has the opportunity of a lifetime to wrap up the 2019 season. A chance to knock off the team of the decade in college football. It’s one last shot at glory for the graduating seniors and those who have been chomping at the bit to end on a high note. For Don Brown’s defense though, it will be a moment to show the world that it can dethrone goliath.
Alabama brings in one of the country’s scariest offenses regardless of who is taking the snaps. Mac Jones has shown that he is more than capable of running this offense. He’s got pros at every position around him and that is something that Michigan football rarely sees on its schedule. Trying to prepare for that is like choosing between a rock and a hard place.
Najee Harris will be a beast to take down, especially in the fourth quarter when trailing. Michigan’s defensive line will have to set the tone early to gain control of the line of scrimmage in order to keep Harris ineffective. When the options arise, blitzing on third downs will be a must to force the Tide into pressure situations. Every little break that can go in Michigan’s favor will certainly help in the long run.
Bama’s receivers are all no-brainer NFL caliber talent. DeVonta Smith owns the most yards, but Jerry Jeudy is considered their top draft-eligible wideout. Henry Ruggs is the one that takes the top off of defenses and don’t discount Jaylen Waddle either. LaVert Hill, Ambry Thomas, Dax Hill and company can earn the respect of many if they can someway slow down this unstoppable trio.
Michigan DC Don Brown on the #Alabama offense with Mac Jones instead of Tua Tagovailoa: "To be honest, I don't think they've changed all that much. They've stayed on track systematically."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 29, 2019
This test is as big or even bigger than Ohio State. Alabama could have made a case to be in the playoff if not for the loss to rival Auburn. Nick Saban has been unbeatable in bowl games and Harbaugh has been the opposite.
Regardless, the Wolverines have to take that into account and learn from their recent blunders. Figuring out how to change the inevitable outcome in this one will be up to how bad Michigan football wants to change the perception of the program.
Simply put, Don Brown has his work cut out for him. A repeat performance of the 2012 opening loss to Alabama is expected, but a showing like the 2000 Orange Bowl is what the maize and blue want to happen.
For the latter to do so, Michigan’s defense has to play the defensive game of their lives. That’s a lot to burden no matter the case, but this is what the Wolverines signed up for to play in these types of games.