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Joel Klatt saw some ways that Alabama could get into trouble against Michigan in the Rose Bowl on The Next Round.
On defense, it could all come down to which team dominates between the trenches. Michigan needs to mimic the blueprint of Texas to win the game.
“The line of scrimmage. It would be the exact mold of Texas,” said Klatt. “It would be that they don’t run the ball well on 1st down and force Jalen Milroe into obvious passing situations, and then their pass rush shows up. That’s the M.O. defensively.”
Joel Klatt expects the winner of the Rose Bowl to be whoever controls the line of scrimmage on 1st downs. @joelklatt @CFBONFOX @AlabamaFTBL @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/cGQKzW4Abo
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) December 18, 2023
Conversely, if Michigan can do the same on offense, it could set itself up for success. Red zone execution is going to be crucial for both teams.
“From an offensive perspective, it would be if Michigan can control the game on 1st down and be in a pass when we want to situation,” said Klatt. “I think both teams need to win the game the same way, which is control the game on 1st down. Inevitably it comes down to your quarterback’s ability to extend drives, then get down into the red zone and score touchdowns and not settle for field goals.”
Alabama and Michigan meet in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.
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.
