A month ago, Michigan football’s most likely outcome was a 6-6 regular season and a berth in something like the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Instead, they shocked the world and now find themselves entrenched in ReliaQuest Bowl Previews like this one. Luckily, their opponent is merely the greatest program of the 21st century.
It’ll be the second time this calendar year that Michigan plays Alabama. Last time, the eventual top dogs sent Nick Saban off to the College Gameday desk with a season-defining win. This time, the Crimson Tide are coached by Kalen DeBoer, who last met with the Wolverines as head coach of the Washington Huskies. He’s no doubt still salty about that loss, what with it being for a National Championship and all.
With plenty of recent history to flavor this face-off, how do the Wolverines stack up?
Will We See Michigan’s New-Look Offense?
In a word: no.
In other words: new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey hasn’t had anywhere near enough time to do a total install of his new offense. However, we will still be on the lookout for tidbits and teasers of his eventual, fully realized plan. They will be without their backfield hosses, as Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards have opted to prepare for the draft instead of swan songs in winged helmets. Jordan Marshall and Ben Hall will lead the charge on the ground in their stead. Both have looked decent in limited snaps behind this year’s spotty offensive line.
Beyond that, a combination of roster attrition and new faces clouds the outlook. As has been noted in this space, the Wolverines will say goodbye to several players on offense, most notably Tyler Morris (who may yet return) and Alex Orji. On the flip side, bowl practices have been a boon for Michigan’s early enrollees and other young players.
In tandem with Lindsey’s arrival, you’d hope to see some of that new guard break through against Alabama. Tight end understudies Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen have already started to make an impact in Colston Loveland’s absence. On the outside, this would be a great time for a Semaj Morgan showcase. Morgan has largely disappointed after a promising freshman season as the team’s spark plug in 2023. To be fair, inconsistent quarterback play has hampered his efforts.
To that end, Davis Warren will likely get the call under center. That’s all well and good, but some Jadyn Davis snaps would be encouraging. Moore has also brought in former Fresno State opponent Mikey Keene to bolster the quarterback room, but Davis could use some seasoning to prepare for next fall camp’s competition.
Who’s Playing For ‘Bama?
The most important piece, for one. Star quarterback Jalen Milroe will take the field against Michigan. After that, he’ll have an interesting decision to make on whether or not to head to the NFL. The Tide’s offense will be missing starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor due to injury. Top-rated backup running back Justice Haynes can presumably walk from one sideline to the other to complete his transfer to Ann Arbor. His loss should be minimal for DeBoer’s offense, as Haynes was only third on the Tide in rushing yards. A quartet of wide receiver depth has entered the portal, but top pass-catchers Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard are good to go.
The biggest losses on defense are in the secondary. All-American safety Malachi Moore and former Wolverine freshman phenom cornerback Keon Sabb are both injured and unable to play. Fellow safety DeVonta Smith (not that DeVonta Smith) has entered the portal, leaving Alabama to fill their spots with plenty of talent but not much experience.
Otherwise, this will be a full-strength operation for DeBoer. Michigan was already at a disadvantage. It will be even more pronounced given their NFL Draft declarations/bowl opt-outs.
What Can We Really Expect From This Game?
The last time we previewed a Michigan game, the forecast called for doom and gloom. Then the Wolverines went out and did something silly, aided and abetted by a pretty disastrous Ryan Day-Chip Kelly game plan. DeBoer and his offensive brain trust are not likely to make the same mistake. They also won’t really have any opportunity to make it. Michigan will be without defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. By themselves, they effectively neutralized Ohio State’s ground game and made Will Howard’s life hell for four hours.
That fact by itself portends this game’s presumable conclusion: a comfortable Tide victory in an ultimately inconsequential bowl game. You can’t lose the (arguably) two best defensive tackles in the nation and expect to just replace them in the aggregate.
The key, then, for Michigan fans and Sherrone Moore alike, is to scope out points of excitement for next year. Improved offensive line play? That’s a positive. Eye-catching plays from up-and-comers like safety Mason Curtis and linebacker Cole Sullivan? Yes, please. Multiple completed passes to wide receivers? Let’s not get greedy, now.
In the end, this game will be about Michigan’s neonatal offense, roster attrition, and defensive personnel questions vs. Alabama’s None Of Those Things.
Predictions
- Jordan Marshall runs for 80 yards and a touchdown but also fumbles.
- Jalen Milroe also runs for 80 yards and adds 200 through the air.
- Marlin Klein leads Michigan in receiving. It doesn’t take much to do so.
- Ryan Williams gets 3 catches for 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
- Jaishawn Barham teases what he’ll look like coming off the edge next year with a sack and a TFL.
- Final Score: Alabama 38, Michigan 16
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