Jim Harbaugh said he believes it takes all 11 defenders to slow down Jalen Milroe, but he’s far from the only challenge on the Alabama offense in the Rose Bowl.

“He’s a great player, great runner, 500 something scramble yards,” Harbaugh said Sunday morning at a joint Rose Bowl press conference with Alabama coach Nick Saban. “Another 250 (yards) or so in quarterback-driven runs, outstanding thrower, big offensive line, outstanding running backs, tight ends, receivers. All 11 for us really on defense. We’ve got a gameplan, getting things cleaned up. On our toes at all times. It’s a big challenge.”

Harbaugh last week turned some heads and bristled some Alabama faithful when he initially compared Milroe to Alex Orji, Michigan’s backup quarterback when he said Milroe was a “polished Alex Orji.”

Milroe this season passed for 2,718 yards with 23 TD passes and just 6 interceptions. Known as a deep-ball threat, Milroe also is dangerous on the ground, and has 12 rushing touchdowns on 140 carries for 468 yards. He averages 11.6 carries per game.

The Rose Bowl is set for 5 p.m. ET on Monday, and will be on ESPN.

Jim Harbaugh calls Jalen Milroe a “polished Alex Orji.” Said that’s a “scary thought” given that Orji is Michigan’s “scariest, most athletic player.” pic.twitter.com/S2AS8aDK78

— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) December 27, 2023

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.