NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
You can’t ask for a better matchup in the final Rose Bowl that will serve as a College Football Playoff semifinal with Big Ten power Michigan facing off with one of the most-decorated programs in Alabama.
The Wolverines overcame two separate suspensions for coach Jim Harbaugh and two ongoing investigations to run through the Big Ten and arrive as the No. 1 seed. Alabama lost in Week 2 to Texas and had major offensive issues in September, but with Nick Saban doing perhaps his best coaching job the Crimson Tide knocked off two-time defending national champion Georgia in the SEC championship game to secure a controversial spot in the field.
This shapes up to be a physical matchup that could be decided by whichever quarterback − MIchigan’s J.J. McCarthy or Alabama’s Jalen Milroe − makes the most plays. Our experts make their picks for which team advances to next week’s title game.
Scooby Axson
Michigan wants to run the ball, stop the run and avoid mistakes. Alabama is not the team of old that used talented skill position players on offense and a stingy defense to submit teams into surrender by halftime. But if Tide can’t protect Jalen Milroe (he was sacked 38 times) it could be a long afternoon, as the Wolverines thrive on dominating less-than-competent offenses. Alabama’s confidence is high after beating two-time defending champion Georgia and will carry that momentum into another chance at a title for Nick Saban. Alabama 26, Michigan 21.
BOWL LINEUP: Complete schedule/results for every postseason game
Jace Evans
Though Michigan has probably been the best team in college football all season, I’m betting on the Alabama infrastructure and the best coach in college football history having his team prepared. Nick Saban is 6-1 in the College Football Playoff semifinals, his only setback occurring to eventual champion…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rose-bowl-expert-predictions-alabama-135647623.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2024-01-01 13:56:47
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
