How Michigan’s and Alabama’s stats compare before the CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl

admin | December 7, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Football from Alabama has returned to the College Football Playoffs.

Alabama defeated Georgia in the SEC Championship game to earn a match against No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024.

Expectations are rising as two legendary shows come together on a legendary platform. Now that each coaching staff has started watching each team’s film, let’s examine the statistical differences between the Wolverines and Crimson Tide.

Scoring offense

1. LSU 46.4 points per game

14. Michigan 36.7

18. Alabama 35.1

Rushing offense

1. Liberty 302.9 yards per game

48. Alabama 172.7

59. Michigan 161.8

Wolverines senior Blake Corum has 1,028 yards and 24 touchdowns. Alabama’s Jase McClellan, who was injured and unavailable in the SEC Championship, leads the Tide with 825 yards.

Passing offense

1. Washington 343.8 yards per game

60. Alabama 228.5

73. Michigan 218.8

J.J. McCarthy has been one of the most effective quarterbacks in the country, completing 74.2% of his passes. Jalen Milroe has thrown for 23 scores while rushing for 12 more.

Scoring defense

1. Michigan 9.46 points per game

17. Alabama 18.38

Maryland (24 points) and Ohio State (24) are the only teams to produce more than 20 points against Michigan. The Tide has conceded more than 30 points just once in its loss to Texas (34).

Rushing defense

1. UCLA 69.6 yards per game

5. Michigan 86.6

31. Alabama 124.5

Passing defense

1. Ohio State 147.4 yards per game

2. Michigan 152.6

23. Alabama 188.8

Time of possession

1. Utah 34 minutes per game

11. Michigan 32

50. Alabama 30

Turnover margin

1. Penn State +18

2. Michigan +17

19. Alabama +8

McCarthy has thrown four interceptions, while Milro has thrown six. Defensively, Terrion Arnold has five interceptions and Chris Braswell has three fumble recoveries. UM defensive back Mike Sainristil has a team-high four interceptions.

Penalties

1. Michigan 2.9 per game

72. Alabama 6.0

3rd down offense

1. LSU 56.7% conversion rate

T-12. Alabama 46.7%

T-12. Michigan 46.7%

3rd down defense

1. Georgia 26.4% conversion rate

15. Michigan 30.8%

24. Alabama 33.9%

4th down offense

1. Alabama 83.3% conversion rate

5. Michigan 78.9%

The Tide has converted five of six fourth-down attempts, including a now-famous 4th-and-31 Iron Bowl throw and a key pickup in the SEC Championship. Michigan is 15-of-19 on fourth-down tries.

4th down defense

1. Western Michigan 20% conversion rate

7. Michigan 32.1%

10. Alabama 36%

Team Sacks

1. Penn State 48

T-8. Alabama 38

T-12. Michigan 33

UA’s Dallas Turner was named conference defensive player of the year with 10 sacks. Fellow Floridian Jaylen Harrell leads the Wolverines with 7.5.

Sacks allowed

1. Oregon 5

29. Michigan 18

114. Alabama 43

Thirty-seven of Alabama’s 43 sacks allowed came from September through October. It had allowed two in November before Milroe was sacked four times against Georgia.

Net punting

1. Miami (Ohio) 44.09 yards per punt

12. Alabama 41.9

19. Michigan 41.5

Caleb Downs overtook Kool-Aid McKinstry as Alabama’s lead returner in the Iron Bowl and SEC title game.