Observations on the overtime win over Alabama, 27-20
Michigan converted three red zone trips for 21 points including one in overtime; Alabama converted two red zone trips for 7 points. Each team turned the ball over, but the Crimson Tide converted the Wolverine turnover into 7 points.
Offense gained 351 total yards with 15 first downs, but only 6 first downs in the second half; they were 4 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, but also had five "three and outs." J.J. McCarthy hit 17 of 27 for 221 yards and 3 TDs; he ran 3 times for 25 yards, and won the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP. Blake Corum ran 19 times for 83 yards and an overtime TD, and caught two passes for 35 yards for another TD; Corum had 118 yards in total offense with 2 TDs, and his two catches were both on 4th down. Roman Wilson caught 4 passes for 73 yards and a TD. Tyler Morris caught two passes for 45 yards including a 38 yard TD. Semaj Morgan caught 4 passes for 24 yards. Cornelius Johnson caught 2 passes for 12 yards. Kalel Mullings caught a 19 yard pass. Colston Loveland caught 2 passes for 13 yards. Caleb Downs had 8 tackles for the Crimson Tide.
Defense held Alabama to five "three and outs," and recorded 6 sacks on Jalen Milroe. The Crimson Tide was held to 17 first downs including 12 in the second half, and was 3 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions; they gained 288 yards in total offense with 172 on the ground withh 13 rushing first downs. Milroe was 16 of 23 for 116 yards and ran 21 times for 63 yards despite the 49 yards in sacks. Jase McClellan ran 14 times for 87 yards and 2 TDs, and caught 2 passes for another 11 yards. Isaiah Bond had 4 receptions for 47 yards. Jermaine Burton had 4 receptions for 21 yards. Alabama gained a 4:30 time of possession advantage, and it resulted in 7 more offensive plays. Junior Colson led the Wolverines with 10 tackles despite hand and shoulder injuries. Michael Barrett had 9 tackles, and Josiah Stewart had 7 tackles to lead the Wolverine defense. Mike Sainristil and Makari Paige had 6 tackles each. Rod Moore had 5 tackles with a pass break up on a bomb, but his TD Saver on Milroe in overtime at the 9 yard line prevented a sure TD. Derek Moore secured the game ending tackle on Milroe at the 2. Mason Graham won the Rose Bowl Defensive MVP with 4 tackles including one for loss.
Special Teams were horrid! Semaj Morgan's fumble on a punt return at our 38 led to Alabama's first TD with Jase McClellan running in from 34 yards, and a muffed extra point by Snapper Will Wagner and Holder Tommy Doman a game with this magnitude is unthinkable. Tommy Doman punted 6 times for only 39.5 yards per boot while Alabama's James Burnip punted 7 times with 5 downed inside the 20, and 4 punts over 50 yards. Jake Thaw fumbled a punt late in the 4th quarter that almost resulted in a safety; however, he recovered at the 1. James Turner missed a 49 yard field goal. Will Reichard boomed two field goals of 50 and 52 yards, and had 5 kickoffs with 5 touchbacks. The only bright spots for the special teams were kickoff tackles by Matt Hibner and Jimmy Rolder at the 16 plus another by German Green at the 14 on Kendrick Law. Caleb Downs recovered a Crimson Tide punt return fumble. Michigan had no kickoff returns, and had 4 fair catches on punt returns with 3 punt returns for 9 yards. Kechaun Bennett also should have been penalized on a roughing the punter, but got away with one. Michigan edged Alabama on defense and offense, but the Crimson Tide definitely outplayed the Wolverines on special teams.
Hallelujah! We are going to the National Championships! Go Blue!
