5 predictions for Michigan football vs. Alabama

Tough sledding

It's an overlooked stat, but most of the time, the team that runs for more yards wins the game. That's been a theme in College Football Playoff games over the years. Michigan State vs. Alabama comes to mind. The Spartans couldn't create any push and didn't score a single point.

Michigan football is more talented than that team. However, if the Wolverines get stonewalled running the ball, it's going to be a long day, especially against a dynamic Alabama pass rush. Dallas Turner is as good a pass rusher as there is in college football, at least in my opinion.

Yet, I think both teams will struggle to run. It will come down to the quarterbacks running the ball, because these defenses aren't going to make it easy, on either team's running backs. Both teams could hit 100 yards rushing but it won't be the traditional way.