The Michigan Wolverines will prepare to stuff the run rather than stuff stockings for the third year in a row when they take on the esteemed Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff semifinals on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl.
After losing their previous two semifinal games—a 34-11 thumping against Georgia in 2021 and a 51-45 heartbreaker against TCU last season—the Wolverines will try to turn things around this time.
These three Wolverine X-factors against Alabama have the potential to propel the program to previously unheard-of heights. Michigan hasn’t participated in a CFP championship match.
1. Barner, AJ tense conclusion
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Barner is one of the best blocking tight ends in the nation and has been a quiet hero this season. However, he will have an opportunity to establish himself as a receiver against Alabama. This season, the Crimson Tide have struggled against tight ends.Alabama allowed 30 receptions and 431 receiving yards to tight ends in 10 games against Power Five opponents, including five catches for 53 yards by Georgia’s Brock Bowers in the SEC Championship Game.
Although Colston Loveland, the sophomore tight end who finished second on the team with 572 receiving yards this season, will undoubtedly receive the majority of Alabama’s focus, Barner (22 catches, 249 yards) should be targeted in the red zone and during play action.
2. Quarterback Alexander Orji
The hype train around Orji is ready to blow off steam. Orji, a Texas sophomore quarterback, is already regarded as an athletic marvel. He has given fans a few teases of what’s to come, most notably when he ran for 20 yards on a read-option play against Ohio State. The man is mobile.
The Wolverines have been employing Orji as their scout-team quarterback in advance of Alabama. He is a dual-threat quarterback who keeps defenders off balance, much like Jalen Milroe of Alabama. If you stuff the box, you will be thoroughly beaten; if you take a seat in coverage, you will be dissected in the middle and on television screens.
One audacious prediction: Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of Michigan, will allow Orji take the field for the first time this season against Alabama. Orji has used a run-pass option scheme while operating out of the shotgun in each of his four outings this season. 11 carries for 69 yards and 0 pass attempts are the current results.
If the Wolverines’ coaching staff has an ace in the hole in its sleeve, don’t be shocked.
3. James Turner | Kicker In his debut season with his home-state team, Michigan, Turner has been fantastic. This season, the Louisville transfer made 16 of 18 attempts at field goals and hasn’t missed one since September.
His three second-half field goals (from 50, 38, and 37 yards) against Ohio State helped Michigan win their third straight game in “The Game,” demonstrating his ability to perform in big situations and big games.
The Wolverines need to play their finest and cleanest game of the season to defeat Alabama. Turner’s leg may play a significant role in determining if Michigan can achieve that goal.
