Alabama defense is creating strategies to frustrate the Michigan offense

According to statistics, the No. 4 Alabama defense should not have much to worry about against the No. 1 Michigan offense in Monday’s College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl.

However, coaches and players will always tell you not to rely just on statistics and first impressions.

So, despite the woeful offensive numbers Michigan has compiled on its way to a 13-0 season and its first No. 1 national ranking since 1997 – 70th in passing offense, 65th in total offense – Crimson Tide coaches and players insisted on Saturday during Rose Bowl Media Day that they can’t sleep on the Wolverines’ offense.

“I believe their offense is deceptive. “They do a good job,” Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry remarked.

According to Bama linebacker Dallas Turner, “they’ll try to lull you to sleep with the run, run, run, and now they take the shot.”

As in the passing game’s shot down the field. While it is not the Wolverines’ strongest suit with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, it is a weapon they will use when the time is perfect.

They like to pass the ball to senior running back Blake Corum, who has 1,028 yards on 218 runs this season and a school single-season record 24 touchdowns.

Although Corum’s numbers are down significantly from his junior season, Alabama knows that he is the engine that most makes the Michigan offense hum.

“I’ve been watching Blake Corum over the past two seasons,” Turner told ESPN. “I was a big fan of his last season.” He’s a powerful running back. Running back with a lot of power. Excellent vision. He always seems to get through it, no matter how little the hole is. He’s an important part of that offense.”

McKinstry believes the Wolverines’ attack is more dangerous than it appears at first glance because they know what they do well and stick to it no matter what.

“I believe Michigan’s offense does an excellent job of running the ball. “They seem very physical to me,” McKinstry added. “I believe the coaches they have understand the players they have.” So I believe they increase the players’ confidence in the system as well as their confidence in the plays that they call. So I just have the impression that they have a strong bond.”

McKinstry also believes McCarthy is an underappreciated quarterback. Despite having to throw the ball relatively little in some games, McCarthy was efficient when he did, completing more than 74% of his throws (213 of 287) for 2,630 yards and 19 touchdowns. He only threw four interceptions all season.

“I feel like McCarthy is a good player,” McKinstry said emphatically. “I believe he can make all of the throws.” I believe he can hit the ball through all of the windows, tight and open.”

McCarthy can also be deceiving when running, something Turner believes will be a challenge to Alabama. Turner also stated that playing against SEC quarterbacks like as LSU’s Heisman Trophy winner Jadyn Daniels has given the Tide experience with scrambling quarterbacks.

“Playing against a guy like Jadyn Daniels, KJ Jefferson, things like that, you know, mobile quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy fits in that category for sure,” Turner went on to say. “With him being athletic with him using his legs as well as his arms, I feel like it’s going to be a challenge chasing around after him on Monday.”