Michigan DT explains how Alabama is different than what it's faced in B1G: 'We've got to come prepared'

Kenneth Grant understands the challenge that awaits Michigan in their College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

Although the Wolverines are the No. 1 seed in the CFP, Grant is under no illusions that he and his team can coast against the Crimson Tide. He recalled Michigan’s 1st Playoff appearance, a 34-11 semifinal loss to Georgia at the Orange Bowl in 2021.

“They (Alabama) have definitely had success, but it really doesn’t say anything,” Grant said. “That first year we played Georgia, that set the tone.”

While the Michigan DT wasn’t with the team that year, he knows that the Wolverines will need to be on top of things against the Tide. Hanging over the team is the fact that they have lost back-to-back semifinals, 1st to Georgia in 2021 and then to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl in 2022.

And the Tide present a challenge they haven’t faced this season, he noted.

“This year, we know we’re going to face a bigger, faster team than the Big Ten, so we’ve got to come prepared,” he said.