The Alabama Crimson Tide actually averaged more ground yards this season, but the Michigan Wolverines have the more impressive rushing attack heading into the Rose Bowl.
Three players from Alabama set records for more than 100 carries and at least 450 yards of rushes. Its offensive component might make the difference between winning and losing on New Year’s Day in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Running back Blake Corum of Michigan loves to control games, but the Crimson Tide have a better chance of winning if it is taken out of its element.
In order to reduce the number of possessions, Michigan would prefer to run the ball 40 times. However, in order to win its first national semifinal in the playoff era, Michigan might need to execute some crucial passing plays.
In a game, Alabama averages 172.7 rushing yards.
Although it might not seem like a big difference, the Crimson Tide outgained Michigan by 10.9 yards on the ground during the regular season, demonstrating that they can compete with Michigan at the Big Ten team’s greatest asset.
In their victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game, Alabama ran the ball 41 times for 114 yards.
J.J. McCarthy’s Experience
Arguably the most significant player in the Rose Bowl is J.J. McCarthy.
On New Year’s Day, the Michigan quarterback will play in his third CFB Playoff semifinal.
Two years ago against Georgia, McCarthy relieved Cade McNamara and went 7 for 17 with 131 yards passing. In the loss to the TCU Horned Frogs the previous year, he passed for 343 yards and two touchdowns.
In the 51-45 loss, McCarthy was also picked off twice by the Horned Frogs. In his career, he has only had two multi-pick games. The other was a strange September game against the Bowling Green Falcons that featured three interceptions.
Even though he might not be asked to throw the ball a lot, the second-year quarter must make some big plays when called upon. He rarely makes mistakes.
McCarthy did that in Michigan’s victories over the Penn State Nittany Lions and Ohio State Buckeyes, two of the Top 25 Big Ten teams.
It is thought that he can help the high-scoring rushing attack once more and, this time, take advantage of his experience against a formidable Alabama defense.
Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, two cornerback prospects from Alabama, are headed to the NFL.
Michigan needs to advance to its first CFB Playoff final, and McCarthy needs to win that matchup.
Should the errors recur, Alabama could score on a short field and exert control over the game akin to what happened in the SEC Championship Game.
