Michigan Football Must Capitalize On Major Alabama Weakness

Jesse Minter leads one of the most prolific defensive units in the nation heading into the 2024 Rose Bowl game, which pits No. 1 Michigan football (13-0, Big Ten Champions) against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1, SEC Champions) in the College Football Playoff semi-final for a shot at the national title game. Now, while Bama is Bama, and Nick Saban will have his team ready to play some tough football, the Wolverines still need to capitalize on a major weakness: their offensive line.

Michigan football must beat Alabama Crimson Tide in key area

Alabama football has a massive offensive line when it comes to size; there is no doubt about it. Yet, when it comes to protecting first-year starting quarterback Jalen Milroe, Bama’s offensive line has been sub-par this year, to say the least.

Bama’s offensive line has been unimpressive

Through 13 games, Alabama ranks No. 114 in the nation in sacks allowed, giving up 43 sacks (311 yards) thus far, averaging 3.31 sacks per game. On top of that, the Tide are tied for No. 80 (with Akron) in tackles for loss allowed, giving up 78 tackles for loss (393 yards) this year, averaging six TFLs allowed per game.

Of course, Alabama has the talent to mask its frequently sub-par offensive line play, still somehow managing to average 4.3 yards per carry and crack the top 50 (No. 48) in rushing offense this year, though that is not all on the O-line.

Jesse Minter will have Michigan football defense ready to play

On the flip side, Michigan football has the No. 1 scoring defense and No. 2 total defense in the country, and while the defensive line has not been anything too special this fall, Jesse Minter has his defense in a great position right now. Michigan ranks No. 35 in team sacks this year, recording 33 sacks through 13 games (2.54 per game), including having some success against great offensive lines like Iowa, Penn State, and Ohio State.

Additionally, Michigan football ranks No. 5 in rushing defense (86.6 yards per game), No. 6 in team passing efficiency, and No. 2 in passing yards allowed. If that was not enough, the Wolverines’ defensive unit should be able to force Alabama to turn the ball over in the Rose Bowl game — Michigan ranks No. 6 in turnover forces (24 total, 16 interceptions, eight fumbles) and No. 2 in turnover margin, only trailing Penn State, which had a far more conservative offense than the Wolverines this year.

Alabama will give Michigan its best shot in the Rose Bowl

Make no mistake: the Alabama Crimson Tide will give Michigan football their best shot, though when it comes to winning the battle in the trenches, the Wolverines should have a solid crack at beating Bama’s struggling offensive line in the Rose Bowl.

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