Sunday, December 31, 2023

Rose Bowl Preview


Time:
5:00
Location: Rose Bowl
Weather: 62 No Rain
TV: ESPN
Line: Michigan -1.5



This game needs no introduction.  We know who is playing and what's at stake.  Michigan had a turbulent season off the field but has beat everyone on their schedule.  Alabama started the season with an early loss at home to Texas and found another way to go undefeated in the SEC and make the playoffs again. 

I continue to be in a camp with probably only a few members that believes Michigan's #1 goal each year is to beat the Buckeyes and be Big Ten Champions.  Anything else is icing on the cake.  This is an icing game for me.  But one I really hope Michigan wins for its players, who desperately want to play in another game after Monday. 

Dear Jim, 
Welcome back to the CFP and the Rose Bowl.  Your team has overcome adversity like I've never seen from any other program.  Your team is talented and skilled in every phase of the game and your ranked as the #1 team in the nation.  Michigan has yet to reach the mountain top, but you have done an excellent job bringing back the excellence this program and fan base deserves.    You know this is Alabama's second season every year and this is what they do.  You will need complete focus from your coaches and team to win this football game. 

I love what I've been hearing about a different approach to preparation for this bowl.  For some reason, this has been a trouble spot for the Wolverines long before you arrived as a player and you inherited this traditional issues of under performing in the postseason as a head coach.  You know what your up against and I know you have nothing but respect for what Saban has created at Bama.  Though this is not his traditional team, this team can be beat if the Wolverines play their best game.  

Michigan's offensive line will need its best effort of the season.  The offense play calls will need to mix the pass and the run to beat Bama'a defense.   We don't need good JJ on Monday afternoon, we need great JJ.  On defense, you have to stop Milroe from running and scrambling for 1st downs.  Michigan will have to mix pressures so he gets confused and hopefully continues to run in to Colson and Barrett for small gains.  Do me a favor and get Donovan involved in the pass game?  I expect Bama will lock down the Michigan WR's which should allow Edwards and Loveland to have big days.  Maybe keep a FB in to block for pass protection?  Lastely, please tell Sherrone to not call multiple WR screens. 

The talking is done, the practicing is done, the preparation from the coaches will go right up to kickoff I'm sure, but it's time for Michigan to take back College Football's mountain top.  Who better to start the CFP journey then Alabama?  It's going to take Michigan's best game of the season to get it done.  Play Michigan Football like you do between September and Early December and go get that fucking icing!

Michigan 24 Alabama 30 

13 comments:

goblue said...

Bob Bob Bob Go Blue 82-0!

Lee B said...

What? Is this reverse psychology?

MichiganMan said...

I changed my prediction. I got my new prediction no

Michigan 24 Bama 28

Goblu said...

I’m worried simply because it’s Saban. This either is Mich winning by 2 td’s or I think it’s a close Bama win. My heart screams Go Blue, my head is not buying it.

Blue said...

Rested, Healthy & Hungry Wolverines Beat Bama 30-27

szanreno said...

This is pretty much an icing game for me too. MSU is my season. Followed by Notre Dame, which we won't see for some time, then OSU. I'm not sure I believe we are the best team in the playoffs but we're close enough that with the right circumstances and play "we can" pull it off. I love this team, coaches and players. Character. Dedication. Respectful. Driven. If they let the cat out of the bag play wise, they will do it. Play like they played all season, conservative, and we're going home early. I'll probably watch this game in the shop as that is where I pulled them through the PSU and OSU games. Albeit was a bit warmer back in November. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Heater, beer and cigars all around. Happy New Year and Go Blue!

Brady2017 said...

This is it! Time to play some Michigan football, wipe clean the bad memories of TCU last year, and get things right. Wont be easy. This one should be one for the ages. Michigan wins on a last minute drive by J.J. UM-27, Crimson Turds- 24.

Happy New Year!

Brady2017 said...

Szanreno- Good thinking, I love it! Everyone get their lucky shirt/jersey/underwear/rabbit's foot, whatever it is. Get your lucky maize and blue seat on the couch, man cave, etc. We need all hands on deck and good karma for this one!

Voice of Reason said...



This is an interesting video that has an interesting parallel to what's going on today in college football. It's worth the watch. IMHO!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBaD1ETsu28

Docholliday said...

Bob you chose the wrong team! You didn't pick Michigan!!

Brady2017 said...

Fowler and Herbstreit are so annoying. They won't shut up!

Brady2017 said...

I had to switch to an ESPN app with the Michigan broadcasters.

szanreno said...

The shop is what did it. Six beers and 3 Cigars. I think that's the most emotionally involved in a game I've ever been in 50+ years of being a Wolverine fan. I paced the whole 4th quarter and was "worn out" by the time Milroe went down in ot. Super proud of my team. On to the Natty. Go Blue!