Alabama defenders applaud Michigan quarterback, but not for tossing the ball

admin | December 23, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

On New Year’s Day, the Alabama Crimson Tide defense will face the undefeated Michigan Wolverines and their offense in the College Football Playoff semifinal in the Rose Bowl.

The Tide, on the other hand, does not appear to be very concerned about Michigan’s air attack.

In true Crimson Tide fashion, defensive players have lavished praise on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

According to BamaOnLine, defensive back Malachi Moore lauded Michigan’s offensive balance, which he attributed to McCarthy.

“J.J. does a good job of managing their offense and setting up the offense,” Moore said, “changing the look if you give away a blitz or something like that, checking the calls and putting his team in the best situation to win.”

Fellow defensive back Terrion Arnold agreed when he appeared on “The Next Round,” comparing McCarthy to Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, who played at LSU.

“When you are playing against somebody, you have to give them the credit they deserve,” Arnold said, as reported by Touchdown Alabama. “J.J. is a very good athlete. When you watch him on film, it surprises you how much he does run. He scrambles and has his eyes downfield.”

What neither Alabama player highlighted was McCarthy’s ability to beat Alabama with his arm, and based on the last few games, they’re probably right.

McCarthy passed for 335 yards against Purdue on November 4. In the four games since, he has failed to pass for 150 yards and has thrown one touchdown pass and one interception.

Instead, the offense has leaned on running back Blake Corum, who had three rushing touchdowns against Purdue and two more in the four games since.

It’s possible that Michigan has merely been riding a hot streak in recent games. Or, as some Big Ten coaches have suggested, Michigan’s offense may have stagnated since the program’s sign-stealing scheme became known.

Whatever the cause, Michigan has recently leaned heavily on the rushing game, and other coaches have taken notice. The Crimson Tide players have done the same.