The Michigan football team passed, ran, sacked, and intercepted its way to an undefeated regular season and Big Ten Championship Game triumph over the Iowa Hawkeyes, cementing its place as the nation’s top team.
The Wolverines are scheduled to face the Alabama football team and Coach Nick Saban on New Year’s Day in a game for all the marbles in Houston, Texas on January 8.
It’s a chance for Michigan football to make amends for their disappointing playoff appearances the previous two seasons. Michigan was rarely competitive against Georgia in 2022 and fell by six points to an underdog TCU Horned Frogs team in 2023.
Recently, an Alabama football defense compared Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy to an NFL legend. A Michigan receiver talked about what he thinks is “really good” about Alabama football.
Coach Jim Harbaugh is likely to return as Michigan’s coach for the game after serving two regular-season bans.
The Rose Bowl could be the best bowl game of the season, with Michigan at full strength and Coach Saban’s team at its peak.
Here are four audacious predictions:
Michigan Will Sack Jalen Milroe Four or More Times
The Michigan football defense is led by Jesse Minter, a highly intelligent former NFL coordinator who has turned the Wolverines into a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the football.
Minter’s crew will make life difficult on Crimson Tide star QB Jalen Milroe.
Milroe is an above average runner, passer, and clutch player but he hasn’t seen a defense quite like Minter’s so far this season.
Expect pressure in Milroe’s face on big passing downs and the Wolverines to stay disciplined in their pursuit of the mobile and explosive Alabama football star. Michigan has been building speed and ballhawking talent on its defense for years and January 1 will be the day Alabama football experiences it first-hand.
Blake Corum Will Score Two TDs or More
Michigan football’s biggest strength was negated in last year’s playoff appearance due to injuries to Heisman contender Blake Corum and star backup Donovan Edwards. Corum did not play, and Edwards’ hand injuries affected his ability to run the ball consistently.
Michigan’s running back room is light years better than it was last season with Corum and Edwards both healthy. Short-yardage specialist Kalel Mullings is primed and ready to make up for last year’s red zone fumble against Coach Sonny Dykes and the Horned Frogs defense.
Expect Corum to score two touchdowns or more against the Tide. Bet big on Corum if you have the opportunity this December and on Game Day.
JJ McCarthy Will Show First Round Talent
McCarthy noted in a recent press conference that he was injured down the stretch against Penn State and Maryland on the road, as well as vs. Ohio State football in Ann Arbor.
