Blake Corum isn’t batting an eye as Michigan prepares to enter the Rose Bowl against Alabama. However, the star running back acknowledges the narrative of the game was flipped as soon as the Wolverines learned they would be facing the Crimson Tide.

During a recent media session, Corum as asked about that flipped narrative, but he downplayed it as just “people’s opinions.” He says Michigan still views itself as the top dog and No. 1 overall team in the country for this matchup.

“Yeah, they flipped (the narrative) from the jump as soon as they announced we’d be playing Alabama. They flipped it from the jump which is, you know, it’s fine it’s all people’s opinions. We’re going into it like I said last time as the top dog,” Corum said. “We are the No. 1 team in the nation, and we’re going to treat it as such.

“Alabama’s a great team. After watching film, they’re coached really well, the defense flies around, and it will definitely be a challenge that we’re super excited for. We love a good challenge, but we’re still the top dog. That’s how we’re going in.”

Overall, Corum doesn’t see the narrative as any additional motivation for the program. He says the Wolverines have all they need after falling short on this stage the past two seasons and are entering the Playoff with a national title or bust mentality.

“No motivation purposes I feel for this team, (the narrative) being flipped or not. At the end of the day, it’s a game. We’re already motivated to get over the hump after being there,” said Corum. “It’s our third time, that’s all the motivation we need.”

Michigan might have motivation, but that can only go so far when kickoff rolls around. We’ll see who emerges from the Rose Bowl with a chance to play in the CFP National Championship.