For the third consecutive 12 months, the Michigan Wolverines will spend the vacations prepping to stuff the run, not stockings, as they face the vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide within the School Soccer Playoff semifinals on the Rose Bowl on New Yr’s Day.
This time, the Wolverines will look to flip the script after dropping their final two semifinals, a 34-11 drubbing versus Georgia in 2021 and a 51-45 heartbreaker towards TCU final season.
Listed here are three Wolverine X-factors towards Alabama who may also help this system attain unprecedented territory. Michigan has by no means performed in a CFP title sport.
1. AJ Barner | Tight finish
Barner, a 6-foot-6, 250-pounder, is one of many nation’s greatest blocking tight ends and an unsung hero this season. In opposition to Alabama, although, he’ll have an opportunity to make his mark as a receiver. The Crimson Tide have had hassle towards tight ends this season.
In 10 video games towards Energy 5 opponents, Alabama gave up 30 receptions and 431 receiving yards to tight ends, together with 53 yards on 5 catches to Georgia’s Brock Bowers within the SEC Championship Recreation.
Whereas a lot of Alabama’s consideration will doubtless be on standout Colston Loveland, the sophomore tight finish who was second on the staff this season with 572 yards receiving, search for Barner (22 catches, 249 yards) to be focused on play motion and within the crimson zone.
2. Alex Orji | Quarterback
The Orji hype practice is about to depart the station. Already a licensed athletic marvel, Orji — a sophomore quarterback from Texas — has proven followers a number of glimpses of what the longer term would possibly maintain, particularly on a 20-yard run on a read-option towards Ohio State. The person has wheels.
