Published August 31, 2012 - 10:56am
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Here’s everything you need to know about #2 Alabama vs. #8 Michigan
When: Saturday, September 1st
Where: Arlington, Texas – Jerry World
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ABC
Game Buzz: Michigan enters the game against the defending national champions bearing the country’s cross, and they are desperately hoping to dethrone the mighty SEC. This is a top-10 matchup right out of the gates, and national championship implications are on the line. Michigan QB Denard Robinson is also facing an Alabama defense that lost six starters the year before.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Players to watch:
- QB AJ McCarron
- RB Eddie Lacy
- OL Barrett Jones
- DL Jesse Williams
- LB Nico Johnson
- DB Robert Lester
Freshmen to watch:
- RB TJ Yeldon
- DB Eddie Williams
- DB Landon Collins
One glaring weakness: Defensive Secondary
Team Buzz: Alabama has to replace three of four in the secondary, along with three other linebackers from last year’s dominant defense. But who better to transition the younger guys into game mode than Nick Saban? Alabama’s strength starts on the offensive line, and the Tide boast an experienced decision-maker at QB in AJ McCarron. Expect a full dose of the running game from Alabama and Eddie Lacy, Jalston Fowler, Dee Hart and TJ Yeldon. Alabama will look to simply wear out the inexperienced defensive line for Michigan.
Michigan Wolverines
Players to watch:
- QB Denard Robinson
- RB Fitzgerald Toussaint
- WR Roy Roundtree
- DL Craig Roh
- LB Kenny Demens
- DB Jordan Kovacs
Freshmen to watch:
- OL Kyle Kalis
- LB Joe Bolden
- WR Amara Darboh
- DT Ondre Pipkins
One glaring weakness: Defensive Line
Team Buzz: Michigan rolls into their game against Alabama ranked in the top 10. They had a strong 2011 campaign, winning 11 games and the Sugar Bowl. Heisman favorite QB Denard Robinson, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, leads them. However, the one weakness the Wolverines do have that Bama will exploit is the defensive line. The Wolverines only return one starting lineman, and it is the most obvious area that Bama will attack early and often. This game means more to the Michigan Wolverines.
