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Big Ten coaches, scouts and analysts have clear opinion on Rose Bowl outcome
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Big Ten coaches almost all agreed on 1 thing when it came to the Rose Bowl: Alabama will win.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman talked to nearly a dozen Big Ten coaches along with some scouts and analysts about the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup. Michigan is a 1-point favorite, however the coaches Feldman talked to weren’t impressed.
The main focus of the offense for Michigan is Blake Corum. One defensive analyst offered a critique of Corum and said he’s a different back than earlier in his career.
“Blake doesn’t look like he did last year,” said the analyst. “He doesn’t have the juice. He’s getting chased down.”
The Athletic interviewed 10 Big Ten coaches, scouts and analysts to break down Michigan and how the Wolverines match up with a late-blooming Alabama team: https://t.co/BkVnDSrD8z pic.twitter.com/o4BMLCM1mA
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 18, 2023
One Big Ten head coach said that Corum is good, but can’t compete with the speed of defenders in the SEC. He thinks Corum could struggle against a defense like Alabama’s.
“I think Corum is really good. He’s just so powerful,” the Big Ten head coach said. “I don’t think he has the speed that some SEC guys have, but I do think he’s gotten better. He makes them go.”
Lastly, a defensive backs coach in the Big Ten said that Michigan frames its approach around Corum.
“(Michigan) plays to his strengths,” said a Big Ten defensive backs coach. “(Corum) can’t take the 30-yard run and go 60. But he is a bull. He’s a one-cut guy. Not a home-run threat, but he is really, really good in the red zone and really good on check downs.”
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.
