The newspaper's Zach Braziler shares three keys and predictions for Monday's Rose Bowl between Michigan and Alabama in Pasadena, California.
Can Michigan control Milroe?
The Wolverines haven't faced a dual threat like Jalen Milroe all year, and the Alabama quarterback had a great season after a slow start, scoring 35 total touchdowns. The sophomore has played well against quality teams like Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and Ole Miss, and is a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy in early 2024.
McCarthy has to find his game.
JJ McCarthy has struggled of late, averaging 166.2 yards through the air while throwing just one touchdown pass in his past five games. If that happens, we won't win against Alabama. If it's one-dimensional, Michigan won't win or even come close. However, it won't be easy for McCarthy to overcome the Crimson Tide's elite cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.
Who will win on the front?
Michigan State allowed just 18 sacks all year, 28th fewest in the nation. Alabama ranks 12th among quarterbacks with 38 sacks. Crimson Tide edge rusher Dallas Turner (10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 14.5 lost tackles, 13 quarterback hits) is on par with players at his position nationally, and the Wolverines They will be without top offensive lineman Zach Ginter due to injury. He hurt his foot in the Ohio State game.
prediction
Alabama 34, Michigan 20
Alabama is battle-tested and balanced, and Milroe will likely have the best player on the field. Although he didn't make the playoffs, he beat Georgia, which was clearly one of the best four teams in the nation, lost to Texas, and also lost to Tennessee, Ole Miss and LSU. Michigan isn't even the best team the Crimson Tide has played this year, that should be obvious.
