Alabama Preview 2012

Michigan travels to Dallas to meet defending two time national champion Alabama, and the Wolverines are a two touchdown underdog. Michigan leads Alabama in the series, 2-1, with the last meeting in the 2000 Orange Bowl, 35-34. Each of the three meetings have been decided by 4, 3 and 1 point.

On Offense, the Crimson Tide is led by Quarterback A.J. McCarron. In 2011, he completed 67% of his passes with 16 TDs and only 5 interceptions for 2400 yards, and a quarterback efficiency rating of 149.8 ranking 20th nationally and 3rd in the SEC. At running back, Alabama has bruising Junior Eddie Lacy. As a backup in 2011, he carried for 631 yards in 84 carries for 7 rushing TDs. Freshman T.J. Yeldon, 242 lbs. Junior Jalston Fowler, Redshirt Freshman Dee Hart may also see action at running back. They run behind a mammoth offensive line led by 335 lbs. Junior D.J. Fluker at Right Tackle. Senior Barrett Jones is the Center. Sophomore Cyrus Kouandjio is the Left Tackle. The Guards are Senior Chance Warmack and Junior Anthony Steen. They love to run, control the football and could probably do that on some NFL teams; every starter is over 300 lbs. Senior Michael Williams is a big 270 lbs. Tight End with 26 starts under his belt. Kelly Johnson and Brian Vogler may also see action at Tight End. At the wide receiver positions, the starters are Sophomore DeAndrew White, Junior Kevin Norwood and Sophomore Christion Jones; however, Junior Kenny Bell and Freshmen Cyrus Jones and Amari Cooper should also rotate. Our defense will certainly have their "hands full" trying to stop this unit, and we can only hope that first game turnovers will help us to stop the Tide. Four or Five of these starters are listed as pre-season All-SEC, All-Americans and position award candidates with Barrett Jones, Warmack, Williams, Fluker and McCarron listed most often on offense.

On Defense, Bama is even stronger than on offense. They are led by WILL Linebackers Senior Nico Johnson and Junior C.J. Mosely. The MIKE Linebacker is Sophomore Trey DePriest. The SAM Linebacker is Sophomore Adrian Hubbard, and the JACK Linebacker is Sophomore Xzavier Dickson. The defensive front is led by Senior Defensive End Damion Square. The Nose Tackle is Senior Aussie Jessie Williams. Junior Ed Stinson is the other Defensive End in their 3-4 scheme. If one may manage to get past the line of scrimmage, one of their lighting fast linebackers will be ready to hit you with a real punch. Juniors Deion Blue and Dee Milliner are the corners, and Senior Robert Lester is the Strong Safety and either Vinnie Sunseri or Ha'sean (Ha Ha) Clinton-Dix patrol at Free Safety. Other players who may see action include Quinton Dial on the defensive line, Reggie Ragland and Denzel Devall at Linebacker, Geno Smith and Landon Collins in the backfield. Johnson, Mosely, Williams, Lester and Millner are mentioned in All-SEC, All-American and position award lists on defense.

On Special Teams, Junior Cody Mandell will handle punts (if there are any). Placekicking is shared by Senior Jeremy Shelley and Junior Cade Foster. Carson Tinker is the Snapper, and McCarron is the holder. Expect to see Christion Jones on Kickoff and Punt Returns. Dee Hart and Dee Milliner are also available for returns. Former Spartan Head Coach, Bobby Williams coordinated Special Teams and handles the Tight Ends.

Alabama has won more NCAA Football Championships than any other school, and has more All-Americans than any other team since 2007 with 8 players selected in the 2012 NFL Draft. They are never short on talent, and their outstanding coach, Nick Saban, is certainly a great developer of talent. Alabama begins the season ranked #2 nationally, and has spent the last 65 weeks ranked.

Alabama is expected to win, and Saban will have his team ready; however, Michigan also has talent, and is ranked #8 in pre-season. Cowboy Stadium is a tough place to play with a distracting scoreboard. Michigan will have to play their best, and hope Alabama doesn't. Denard Robinson will have to have one of his biggest games if we are to compete. If we win the turnover battle, we win the game.

Michigan Football Depth Chart for 2012

Michigan 38 Alabama 35