Three Bold Predictions for Michigan football Against Alabama
We are just days away from possibly the most anticipated Rose Bowl of all time. #1 ranked Michigan Football takes on the SEC champion #4 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in what looks to be a great game. Despite being ranked #1, most of the media is treating Michigan as the under dog. And it's easy to understand why.
Michigan football under Jim Harbaugh has struggled mightily in the postseason, losing six straight bowl games, including two College Football Playoff games. Alabama, however, has fared much better in the postseason. With the greatest college coach of all time, the Tide are 6-1 in playoff semifinal games. Where Michigan does have an advantage, however, is in playoff experience. The Tide missed the playoffs last season, so for many of their starters, this will be their first career playoff start.
In this article, I'm going to make three predictions about the Rose Bowl. Without further ado, let's get into it.
1. Donovan Edwards has 75+ Receiving Yards
Michigan has failed to involve Donovan Edwards in the passing game all season long, despite him being amongst the best receiving running backs in the country. That will change against Alabama. The Crimson Tide have two first round cornerbacks, so Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson are going to have their hands full. Enter Donovan Edwards.
While the tight ends are going to see lots of action for the Wolverines, Donovan Edwards can be a legitimate X-Factor. If Sherrone Moore decides to make Edwards a focal point for the passing game, Michigan football could catch the Tide off balance. Edwards will more than likely be covered by a linebacker, and that's a matchup the Wolverines can absolutely take advantage of.
Remember, in 2021 Edwards had 10 receptions for 170 yards against Maryland. He can be a game breaker, and is probably going to be more impactful as a receiving threat than as a rushing threat. Part of me feels like the staff has purposely been waiting to unleash Edwards. He's such an elite receiving back and needs to be used as such. I'm envisioning a big receiving game from Edwards.