Michigan and Alabama have rarely faced each other on the college gridiron. On New Year’s Day, the two programs will meet for the fifth time overall and the 1st time since 2012 during the Citrus Bowl.

The Wolverines are familiar with the Citrus Bowl, having played in it following the 2015 season. They hope that the result of this upcoming game mirrors the one from a few seasons ago, when they ran past Florida 41-7 to cap coach Jim Harbaugh’s first year at the helm of the program.

“(Alabama has) set the bar for college football over the last many years. They’re a model of success,” Harbaugh said. “Their two offensive tackles look to be guys that could be top 20 picks in the draft. A lot of good receivers. This could be the best group of receivers I’ve seen in maybe ever…We’ll need to have a great plan in regard to all three phases of the game.”

Harbaugh has plenty of familiarity with Tide running back Najee Harris from the recruiting trail. Harris ultimately picked Alabama over Michigan, but nearly flipped to the Wolverines before staying true to his pledge.

“He’s been really, really effective,” Harbaugh said. “Big, powerful back with outstanding balance. I’ve always admired his feet and his balance and his vision, the physicality with which he runs.”