The 13-0, number 1 ranked, Big-Ten champion Michigan Wolverines, will face the 12-1, 4th ranked, SEC champion Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl. The Michigan Wolverines have dominated their opponents throughout this entire season. The Wolverines on average score 36.7 points per game and only allow 9.5 points per game, which gives the Wolverines the best point differential in the country, as they outscore their opponents by an average margin of victory of 27.2 points per game. Michigan’s key wins include: a 24-15 victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions, on the road, a 30-24 victory against the Ohio State Buckeyes, at home, and a 26-0 victory against the Iowa Hawkeyes, in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Wolverines are the only team in the country this season to have 2 players that finished top 10 in Heisman Trophy voting, in running back Blake Corum, who finished 9th, and quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who finished 10th. The Michigan Wolverines also have an incredible offensive line, led by center Drake Nugent and tackle LaDarius Henderson, who are both a part of the All-Big Ten First-team. Defensively, the Michigan Wolverines are led by cornerback Will Johnson, who is a First-team All-American, defensive tackle Mason Graham, who is a Second-team All-American, linebacker Junior Colson, who won the Lott IMPACT trophy, defensive back Mike Sainristil, who is a First-team All-American, and Kris Jenkins, who is a Second-Team All-American. The Alabama Crimson Tide had a rough start to the season, losing to the Texas Longhorns, in week 2, 34-24. After their defeat to Texas, the Crimson Tide have some very impressive victories, including: a win versus the Ole Miss Rebels, 24-10, a win versus the Tennessee Volunteers, 34-20, a win versus the LSU Tigers, 42-28, and a win against the Georgia Bulldogs, 27-24, in the SEC championship game. The Alabama Crimson Tide are led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, who finished 6th in Heisman Trophy voting. On offense, the Crimson Tide are also led by Second-team All-American offensive tackle JC Latham and Second-Team All-SEC offensive tackle Tyler Booker. On defense, the Crimson Tide are led by cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who is a First-team All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, outside linebacker Dallas Turner, First-team All-SEC defensive back Caleb Downs, and First-team All-SEC cornerback Terrion Arnold. Jalen Milroe is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, but Michigan has one of the best pass-rushing units in the country, so it will be interesting to see if Michigan could stop Milroe’s legs.
Prediction: Michigan wins 30-17