The Alabama Crimson Tide is gearing up for the Rose Bowl towards the undefeated Michigan Wolverines on New 12 months’s Day, and the Tide offense may have its work lower out for it. In any case, they’re dealing with the most effective protection left in competition for a nationwide championship.
Certain, the Georgia Bulldog protection the Tide confronted within the SEC Championship was a problem, however they had been solely the No. 10 protection within the nation. Michigan? They’re No. 2, behind solely Penn State, and to additional complicate issues, they’re elite towards each the working and passing sport.
Alabama’s robust working sport means the Tide hasn’t needed to be as balanced up till this level. Even without top rusher Jase McClellan, who missed the Georgia sport after reaggravating a foot damage, the Tide options senior Roydell Williams and proficient children Jam Miller and Justice Haynes, in addition to the dynamic working of quarterback Jalen Milroe.
However Michigan is high 5 within the nation in each speeding and passing protection and if Alabama cannot get its passing sport going towards a secondary ranked No. 2 in the country in passing yards allowed, the Wolverines will be capable to deal with stopping the run.
In opposition to the Bulldogs — move protection ranked No. 12 — Milroe threw for less than 200 yards, which certainly will not be sufficient to emphasize the Michigan defensive backs. In any case, even the nation’s high large receiver, Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., wasn’t sufficient to take down the Wolverines, regardless of 118 yards and a landing.
Luckily for Alabama, the Tide’s two high receivers match up pretty effectively with Harrison’s manufacturing and have the big-play potential to make a distinction.
Jermaine Burton, who nabbed a troublesome contested catch for a rating towards his former staff Georgia, and Isaiah Bond, who hauled within the last-minute miracle landing to take down rival Auburn, have mixed for 79 catches, nearly 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns on the yr, as in contrast with Harrison’s 14 scores and 1,200 yards on 67 catches.
Exterior of Harrison, Ohio State failed to supply one other pass-catcher with greater than 60 yards, and Harrison was largely restricted as a result of he was double-covered more than he had been in any other game this season.
Alabama ought to be capable to exploit that tactic. With two proficient targets, the Wolverines must choose their poison between Burton and Bond, which ought to create alternatives for Milroe to throw. And if the move is not there, Michigan doubtless may have leveraged vital manpower to cease the air assault, leaving Milroe room to run.
It will not be a simple activity, but when Milroe’s deep passes land within the fingers of Bond or Burton a couple of instances, it could be the important thing for Alabama to outlive and advance to the title sport.