(Photo : Michael Hickey/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after profitable the Big Ten Championship towards the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Should they keep the course, the Michigan Wolverines needs to be on monitor to win the Rose Bowl once they face the Alabama Crimson Tide on New Year’s Day.
The Wolverines booked their ticket after bringing down the Iowa Hawkeyes, 26-0, on Saturday, December 2, per the Detroit Free Press. On the opposite hand, the Crimson Tide superior after bringing down the no. 1 Georgia Bulldogs, 27-24, additionally on Saturday.
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For the Wolverines, it was a becoming win because it marked the return of coach Jim Harbaugh. He was coming off a three-game suspension for an alleged sign-stealing incident.
With the stage set, nothing could be extra becoming for Harbaugh and the Wolverines than to win the Rose Bowl and enhance their probabilities of profitable a nationwide title. Here are some causes that may again the Wolverines’ bid.
The protection has been key for the Wolverines
It could also be cliché, however protection wins video games in any sport. Football is not any exception, and the Wolverines are doing nicely on the defensive finish regardless of not having standout gamers.
Harbaugh has had plenty of names maintain up the defensive fort. That contains David Ojabo, Kwity Paye, Rashan Gary, Chase Winovich, Taco Charlton, Mazi Smith, and Mike Morris, amongst others, per ESPN.
Making this run sweeter is that Harbaugh doesn’t have any participant that stands out. However, it’s stuffed with expertise that has proven in huge video games. No Michigan defensive lineman has greater than 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, or 5 quarterback hurries, however eight have a minimum of 1.5 sacks, and 7 have a number of QB hurries.
Opposing groups have problem determining the Wolverines
When the season began for the Wolverines, hardly any points wanted to be resolved. They misplaced their kickers, Jake Moody and Brad Robbins, to the NFL however have nonetheless managed to do nicely in that space.
Someone who has been doing nicely is James Turner. He went 3-for-3 on subject objectives towards Ohio State. This season, he’s 12-for-14 on subject objective makes an attempt and 8-for-8 from inside 40 yards.
Aside from Turner, there are Jake Thaw and Tyler Morris, who’ve been doing nicely on punt runbacks, and opposing groups haven’t had a lot luck figuring this out. Will Alabama be the group that can determine this out?
Experience will play a serious position
The Wolverines could have misplaced some gamers to the NFL, however some veterans are nonetheless on the group. That contains Karsen Barnhart, Trente Jones, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards.
“We’re always talking about the six best guys, the five best guys, whoever it is,” coach Sherrone Moore mentioned.
Ironically, Moore has additionally been enjoying a task for the Wolverines, overseeing the strains. Although he has by no means been a head coach and solely turned a coordinator in 2021, his method has additionally develop into an element.
Moore’s 3-0 Big Ten stretch with out Harbaugh confirmed he is able to lead on his personal in the future. But for now, the main target helps the Wolverines win the nationwide title.
Heading into the Rose Bowl, Michigan is the favourite over the Crimson Tide. The Wolverines are 2-point unfold favorites per ESPN Bet through ABC News.
Moreover, Michigan can also be put in because the nationwide championship favourite at +175, adopted carefully by Alabama (+200).
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