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Nick Saban Shares First Thoughts On Michigan Football

Over the weekend, Alabama football coach Nick Saban gave his initial thoughts on playing Michigan football in the Rose Bowl.

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Alabama football, Michigan football, Nick Saban, College FOotball playoff, Rose Bowl
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban reacts in the third quarter against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan football vs. Alabama football — two blue-blood programs from each side of the Mason-Dixon Line that are set to square off in the Rose Bowl (College Football Playoff semi-final) on January 1st. For the Maize and Blue, who just beat Iowa 26-0 in the Big Ten Championship Game, beating Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide is a one-way ticket to the program’s first-ever national title game. While Saban has not given the Wolverines a good look just yet, he shared some initial thoughts about Michigan on Sunday.

Alabama football coach Nick Saban breaks down initial thoughts on Michigan football

Alabama football coach Nick Saban is known as one of the best — perhaps THE best — to ever coach at the college level. While he already has an NCAA record seven national titles, the Crimson Tide’s legendary head coach has his eyes on title No. 8, though Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football stand in his way in the 2024 Rose Bowl game.

“I know they (Michigan) are one of the best defensive teams in the country,” Alabama football coach Nick Saban said Sunday. “They do a great job of attacking the ball and getting turnovers.

“They’re very productive on offense. The quarterback (JJ McCarthy) is a good player, a good runner, great balance,” Saban added. “I haven’t been able to see them, and it wouldn’t be fair enough to compare them to someone else that we’ve played, but I certainly have a tremendous amount of respect for what they’ve been able to accomplish all year long.”

Michigan searching for first College Football Playoff win

The last time Michigan and Alabama squared off was in the 2020 Citrus Bowl — a game that Saban and the Tide won 35-16. This season, however, Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines will be looking to return the favor, especially now that the stakes for both schools are higher than ever as a trip to the national championship game hangs in the balance.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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