The question was simple and seemed reasonable.
Is Michigan ready? It was the headline of my pregame column that ran Monday ahead of an ultimately thrilling Rose Bowl Semifinal.
The Wolverines, it turned out, were up to the challenge. It wasn’t the most definitive or emphatic statement given the fact it had one foot in the grave before sending Alabama to its, 27-20 in Monday’s Rose Bowl.
But I’m a columnist of honor and when I’m wrong, I’m wrong.
Hat in hand, I underestimated Michigan. Let’s go point by point.
First, citing Jim Harbaugh’s 1-6 record in bowl games was a strong insinuation about a lack of quality preparation. It wouldn’t be unfair to say the last two semifinals could be used as evidence — more so last year’s loss to TCU than the 2021 loss to Georgia.
In reality, Michigan came out with a well-conceived game plan both on offense and defense. The Wolverine defense was especially effective against the Alabama front, sacking Jalen Milroe six times. At one point in the first half, Michigan was outgaining the Tide 199-39 as JJ McCarthy’s touchdown pass total (2) equaled Milroe’s pass attempt total.
Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker explained the ways Michigan differed from the tape they watched.
“A lot of stunts,” Booker said. “They brought it from different directions, different ways. They brought different people. We just need to be better with it.”
Perhaps the best example came in the second quarter when Alabama faced a third-and-nine from deep inside its own territory. Michigan was in a zone defense, the least optimal for a QB run, yet that’s what Milroe did. It went for no gain. Punt. Alabama was spiraling and Michigan gets the credit for that.
Point 2: Michigan had no experience in close games. How would they respond?
Turns out, well.
But not without hiccups. Alabama became the first Wolverine opponent of the season to take a second-half lead. After getting outplayed for most of the first half, it looked like Alabama had control of this one for most of the fourth quarter.
