Excitement and anticipation are in the air as the Rose Bowl looms closer. Two of the top-graded college football teams are set to meet on New Year’s Day and ample preparation is underway. But before the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide faces the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines for the semi-final CFP game, Bama HC Nick Saban discloses his apprehension over their meeting.

Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines are ranked as one of the leading college football programs in defense. But Alabama isn’t falling out of their game either. The Crimson Tide finished this season 12-1, their only loss coming from the Texas Longhorns, one of the four CFP contenders. So, what’s that challenge that Nick Saban is talking about?

Nick Saban reveals the challenge Alabama could face against Michigan

In a recent YouTube video by ESPN, Nick Saban blurts out his thoughts on Michigan to Pat McAfee ahead of the upcoming Rose Bowl. When the former NFL punter asked him how he feels about having to face the physical Michigan football team, he said, “I think they’re very capable of being a smashmouth team, if they want to… I think when a team can run a ball on you, it’s a little bit of a helpless feeling when you don’t have the weapons out there to be able to stop that.”

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Nick Saban is aware of the situation they’re getting into when they face one of the nation’s top defensive units. Michigan has multiple tough players including Mike Sainristil who switched from wide receiver to cornerback. This game will mark his third straight playoff appearance. NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler said of Sainristil, “With his toughness, you would never guess he’s a former receiver.” Would Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide fare well against the physical Michigan players?

Alabama vs. Michigan – Who has a better edge?

According to Pro Football Focus rankings, Michigan leads over Alabama in terms of overall grades with 95.5 and 94.6, respectively. Offense-wise, Michigan is still the winner with 90.2 compared to Alabama’s 89.2. But we can’t underestimate the skills of Bama’s starting QB Jalen Milroe who finished the season with 2,718 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. 

READ MORE: 4 Days Before the Game, Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban Share the Spotlight in Disneyland’s Rose Bowl Cavalcade

On the defense front, Michigan leads once more with 95.6 as one of the best defensive college football programs. Their defensive power was seen in their game against Penn State when they defeated them 24-16 and rendered Drew Allar helpless with a 51.4 passing grade. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide tags close behind with 93.8. 

WATCH THIS STORY: “I Love You Man”: Michigan’s Acting HC Breaks Down in Tears in Absence of Jim Harbaugh After Historic Win