Michigan Wolverines have a 55.6% chance of knocking out the Crimson Tide from the National Championship race, per ESPN FPI rankings. It took exhaustive efforts from the Wolverines’ end to make the tides turn in their favor following six straight win-less postseasons. Hence, Jim Harbaugh wants to leave no stone unturned in their preparations.

The head coach made that clear while sharing his approach toward their rivals during the Rose Bowl game day. The Michigan head coach did not shy away from acknowledging the dexterity of the Bama players with the football. However, few words of praise do not change the fact that there is a drive for victory among the squad.

Jim Harbaugh and Co’s focal target

Since he made an entry in Michigan, Harbaugh has gained a reputation for his old-school techniques; especially in recent history, as he became the only coach to have 3 consecutive Big Ten championships. Now, he along with his team will aim for a bigger victory. Alas! one of the biggest challenges in their way might be the talented QB Jalen Milroe, who the team will definitely try to tackle as suggested by the coach.

Realizing the potential Milroe holds and the threat he poses, one of the interviewers asked Harbaugh concerning the same. To this, the experienced coach replied honestly as he acknowledged the 21-year-old QB to be the real challenge for the Wolverines.

The coach said, “He’s incredible. He is their best thrower, their best runner. It’s going to take all 11 on defense to stop him in particular.” Additionally, he did not hesitate from complimenting the overall team.“It’s a great team of receivers. This is the best offensive line that we played,”admitted Jim Harbaugh.

Nonetheless, per ON3 rankings, Michigan’s O-line ranks higher than Alabama. The defense, on the other hand, does not set the standard as high as an offense. Per ESPN’s odds, they will make the cut. However, Michigan’s offense will need to look out for Bama’s defensive line. In fact, the explosive offense, especially McCarthy of the Wolverines is putting in all the efforts to keep the ball rolling.

JJ McCarthy’s preparation for the game day

Jim Harbaugh considered McCarthy a ‘natural’ at football. However, the QB, and the reported top pick for the 2024 NFL draft, gets there with his intricate observation. Ahead of Harbaugh, it was McCarthy who satiated the highly curious questions of reporters at the Rose Bowl media day. Safe to say, McCarthy’s responses not only left the media but also his coach in awe.

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” I was up until probably 1:30 just watching the film, rewriting notes, rewriting the game plan… Just making sure that there’s no stone unturned,” admitted McCarthy. The QB went above and beyond his field practice to make sure his opponents don’t go without a cutting-edge fight, that was exactly where Jim Harbaugh’s confidence in praising his opponents stemmed from.

Michigan has already won a lot this season: the Big Ten championship, and fans’ hearts. A Rose Bowl win and ultimately the National Championship would be the perfect closure for the Wolverines this season.

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