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3 thoughts on Rose Bowl matchup for Michigan football

By Chris Peterson

Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) rushes up the field Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 26-0.
Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) rushes up the field Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 26-0. /
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Michigan football is headed to the Rose Bowl to square off against Alabama and here are some initial thoughts on the Crimson Tide. 

It’s not a shock that Alabama earned the final berth into the College Football Playoff following a win over the two-time defending national champions.

Florida State was left home at 13-0, along with 12-1 Georgia, which became the first team ever ranked No. 1 in the penultimate rankings not to make the playoff.

With Alabama’s win, Michigan football takes over the No. 1 spot. The Wolverines have chosen to play in the Rose Bowl, so on Jan. 2, at 5 P.M. EST, the Wolverines will play quite possibly the most important game in the history of the program.

Here are three thoughts.

It was never going to be easy

Whether it was Alabama, Florida State, Texas, or whoever else, this matchup was always going to be difficult for Michigan football.

That’s just a commentary on the quality of teams, especially this season. Georgia is a powerhouse and finished the season ranked No. 6.

Winning the national championship was always going to require beating someone from the SEC and if Michigan won without, that would always be a commentary.

Now, if Michigan football beats Alabama, that narrative will die right away. The idea that Michigan or its fans are scared specifically of Alabama doesn’t make sense.

Florida State has maybe the best defense in college football outside of Michigan’s. That wouldn’t have been an easy victory either.

Alabama is playing exceptionally well, but Texas, the other only possible opponent in the playoff, beat Alabama by 10 in Alabama. So it was never going to be easy and I think the fact that it’s Alabama will ensure that Michigan brings its best.

Hopefully, it will be good enough.

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