Intriguing Game- The Citrus Bowl
(14) Michigan Wolverines at (13) Alabama Crimson Tide
Michigan: Another year where the expectations were high, they couldn’t live up to them. When they fell short to Penn State back in October, that was their second loss of the season which meant their chance at making the playoffs or even the Big Ten East was basically erased. Despite that, I liked how this group fought for the remainder of the season. I know for a fact they would want another ending. This team just can’t seem to get over the hump against the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the last two seasons, they’ve allowed 118 points to their biggest rivals. After what I just listed, it seems as if defensive coordinator Don Brown’s stock has plummeted. They closed out the 2019 campaign winners of six of their eight last games including victories over Iowa, Illinois, Michigan State and Indiana. Let’s not forget their big win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish under the lights. All teams who are bowl bound this postseason. When everyone was against Shea Patterson, he steps up and delivers a quality season. He threw 22 touchdown passes to six interceptions on the season. Coach Harbaugh is looking for his fourth ten-win season since coming to Michigan in 2015. To accomplish that, he’ll need to take down the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Citrus Bowl.
Alabama: This is unfamiliar territory for them. Ever since the inaugural season of the College Football Playoff, they’ve always been one of the four announced. Or they were always one of the predicted four to make it. That wasn’t the case this year. Here’s how good this team has been over the years. This is the first time they’ve lost two games in the regular season since 2012. Here’s some more facts for you: This is only the third they have lost two games in the regular season under Nick Saban. The perfect adjective to describe this program has been dominant. The issue that people had with them all year was the lack of competition on their schedule. They’ve only defeated three teams with winning records. My thing is this. Yes, the schedule wasn’t necessarily the strongest, but they’ve shown they can compete against the best in the country. Although they lost to LSU, they were able to fight back to make the game interesting. They were down by 20 going into halftime. They did give the Tigers a scare, but it wasn’t enough in the end. In their season finale against Auburn, they were able to take their rivals to the final possession. That was a must win for them, but they fell short. Even without Tua Tagovailoa on the field, Alabama still has one of the most lethal offenses in the game. To end the season on a positive, they’ll face the Michigan Wolverines on New Year’s Day.
Michigan Player to Watch: Lavert Hill– He’s their best cover cornerback. Hill can play back in zone which allows him to sit on the route, then attack for the ball and he’ll play your top receiver in man to man coverage underneath with no help over the top. He’s been the anchor behind a Michigan pass defense which has been very good this year. He’ll have the ultimate test trying to help limit the trio of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs and Jaylen Waddle.
Alabama Player to Watch: Najee Harris– Michigan surprisingly has been weak against the run this year. 22nd is where they’re ranked. If you know your upcoming opponent has a weakness, you exploit it. After Tua went down, they went back to running the ball to help the backup quarterback, Mac Jones. With all the talent on this offense, Najee Harris has gone under the radar. He’s a threat in the running game along with the passing game.
Final Analysis: This should be a fun one. Two well-known universities are featured in this one. I know for a fact this isn’t where either team envisioned themselves, but here we are in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Alabama must establish Najee Harris often. Michigan struggles to defend the run as I mentioned up top. It’s also key to keep Mac Jones protected. Don Brown will bring many exotic looks and blitzes. Michigan will need a big game out of Shea Patterson for them to have a chance. I also see the Wolverines trying to put this game in the hands of Mac Jones.
Prediction: Alabama 38 Michigan 28
