Former Michigan Football QB Identifies X-Factor In Rose Bowl

In 22 days, the no. 1 Michigan Wolverines (13-0, Big Ten Champions) and the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1, SEC Champions) will face off in a crucial Rose Bowl game, with the winner advancing to the national title game. Ahead of the matchup, former Michigan football QB Devin Gardner (2012-2014) offered some insight into a crucial player for the Maize and Blue: sophomore defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, who Gardner claims will be an X-factor.

Former Michigan football QB likes U-M’s odds against Alabama Crimson Tide

When it comes to Michigan football, a lot is riding on its coming Rose Bowl game against Alabama. The Wolverines are 13-0 for the second season in a row, and this year’s team is likely the best roster that Jim Harbaugh has had (and perhaps will have) during his time in Ann Arbor. Not only is Michigan talented, but it has an elite coaching staff, incredible veteran leadership, and more.

Devin Gardner explains why Kenneth Grant is the X-factor for Michigan

Beating Alabama is no small task for the Maize and Blue, though it is a doable one — especially with Kenneth Grant, a sophomore defensive tackle, going against Bama’s offensive line. According to Devin Gardner, Grant will be the deciding factor.

“Kenneth Grant will be the difference in the Rose Bowl,” the former Michigan football QB wrote in a tweet. “By difference I mean why Michigan will have a different result vs an SEC Power! Freakish humans upfront or the lack of them in Michigan’s case has been the separator! That separation no longer exists…”

Michigan DT Kenneth Grant weighs 340 pounds.

Watch big No. 78 show off the wheels on this tackle from behind. 👀@KennyGrant78 x @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/nUjeq5sBv3

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 12, 2023

Michigan remains the favorite over Alabama in Vegas odds

Not only does Devin Gardner see Kenneth Grant being a major factor against Alabama, but he sees Michigan football beating the SEC Champs as well. It’s a bold take, but the reasoning is solid, and it could very well come true.

At the moment, Michigan football is actually favored to win the Rose Bowl, according to Vegas’s latest odds. Michigan is currently -1.5, though that line continues to see some slight movement in either direction from day to day.

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