Michigan Football: 3 keys to Wolverines beating Alabama

At least be even in the running game

College football is all about big plays and scoring points. Yet, when it comes down to it, it’s still about being able to run the ball and control the line of scrimmage.

When Michigan football has been blown out by Wisconsin and Ohio State, it was because the Wolverines were dominated in the trenches. They couldn’t do much of anything to stop the running game of either team and Alabama is formidable as well.

The Crimson Tide have an elite back, Najee Harris, a guy Michigan recruited pretty hard, along with a slew of future NFL draft picks on the offensive line. U-M has a pair of 300-pound freshmen in Chris Hinton and Mazi Smith who could see more time inside and if they are overmatched, Michigan is going to be in huge trouble.

The Wolverines don’t have to shut down the run, but they need to keep it in check, while also being productive with their own running game. In terms of milking the clock to help the defense and keeping Patterson in manageable situations, running the ball well with Zach Charbonnet and Hassan Haskins is a must.