Michigan football wide receivers breakdown matchup with Alabama
Prior to the start of the 2023 Michigan football season, one of the constant narratives was about how the Wolverines didn't have any elite talent at wide receiver.
It's certainly true that Michigan football doesn't have a guy like Marvin Harrison Jr. But the Wolverines are better than people give them credit for and while the matchup against an Alabama secondary that might be among the best in the country seems overwhelming, Michigan's pass catchers aren't backing down, even if they realize what a big challenge it will be.
“You just go right at them – no fear,” Wilson said via The Wolverine.com. “You show them who you are. Don’t be scared. Don’t flinch.
“I think their corners are really good. They’ve got three of them that they rotate, and I like watching all three. They are physical on the line, they run really well, and I think they are just good overall.”
With Alabama surely focused on stopping Blake Corum and Michigan's running game, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Crimson Tide load the box with an extra defender. Wilson talked about the kind of coverages that he should see, but it's worth noting that Wilson caught a touchdown pass against Ohio State, another team with a talented secondary.
The Wolverines had three pass catchers go over 500 yards receiving this season including Wilson, Cornelius Johnson, and tight end Colston Loveland. Wilson was even a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award. Wilson talked about the kind of coverage he thinks Michigan fooball will see from Alabama.
“It will probably mostly be one-on-one. I can’t really tell — I don’t what they’re going to do in the game plan, but probably keep it the same. That’s what they kind of do,” Wilson said. “They all have really good technique. I think they play deep balls really well and have really good recovery speed. They play with a lot of confidence. For me, it’s just give it all you got. This is the only one that’s guaranteed. Give it all you’ve got, lock into the details, and do everything you can to make sure you’re in the right spot and making plays. … I’ve always felt like we can throw the ball really well."
Hopefully, Michigan football is able to throw the football well next Monday. If not, it's hard to see the Wolverines win the Rose Bowl.