3 thoughts on Rose Bowl matchup for Michigan football

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 Wolverines defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (94) celebrates a recovered fumble Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. /

The trenches will decide this battle

Much of the attention leading up to this game will be focused on the head coaches and the quarterbacks — rightfully so.

Milroe and J.J. McCarthy are both spectacular athletes. Milroe also averages more than 10 yards per pass attempt and has 23 touchdowns, so don’t think for a second that he can’t throw the ball.

McCarthy has been banged up the past few weeks and getting him healthy will be huge for Michigan football, because it won’t win without him running the ball.

Despite those guys getting all the attention, the team that plays better in the trenches is going to win this game. That means the team with more rushing yards, as well as the team that is better able to protect its quarterback.

These are two of the best defensive fronts in college football. Michigan has struggled at times to run the ball and protect. However, the Wolverines rushed for over 157 yards against both Penn State and Ohio State.

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And if the Wolverines run for around 160 against Alabama, my money is on them advancing to the College Football National Championship game.