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For the third consecutive yr, the Michigan Wolverines will spend the vacations prepping to stuff the run, not stockings, as they face the vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide within the Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinals on the Rose Bowl on New 12 months’s Day.
This time, the Wolverines will look to flip the script after dropping their final two semifinals, a 34-11 drubbing versus Georgia in 2021 and a 51-45 heartbreaker in opposition to TCU final season.
Listed here are three Wolverine X-factors in opposition to Alabama who may help this system attain unprecedented territory. Michigan has by no means performed in a CFP title recreation.
1. AJ Barner | Tight finish
Barner, a 6-foot-6, 250-pounder, is one of the country’s best blocking tight ends and an unsung hero this season. Towards Alabama, although, he’ll have an opportunity to make his mark as a receiver. The Crimson Tide have had bother in opposition to tight ends this season.
In 10 video games in opposition to Energy 5 opponents, Alabama gave up 30 receptions and 431 receiving yards to tight ends, together with 53 yards on 5 catches to Georgia’s Brock Bowers within the SEC Championship Recreation.
Whereas a lot of Alabama’s consideration will probably be on standout Colston Loveland, the sophomore tight finish who was second on the crew this season with 572 yards receiving, search for Barner (22 catches, 249 yards) to be focused on play motion and in the red zone.
2. Alex Orji | Quarterback
The Orji hype train is about to depart the station. Already a certified athletic marvel, Orji — a sophomore quarterback from Texas — has proven followers just a few glimpses of what the longer term may maintain, particularly on a 20-yard run on a read-option in opposition to Ohio State. The person has wheels.
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