The Rose Bowl stage has more history and significance than any other. This might be the game of a lifetime as it serves as the site for the College Football Playoff Semifinal between the Michigan Wolverines and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Michigan finished first in FPI, second in resume strength, and with one of the best defenses in college football throughout the regular season, making them the best team in the sport. They also secured the top slot in the CFP. Alternatively, there is a Crimson Tide squad that made a breakthrough in the second part of the season and managed to sneak into the playoffs by defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC title game.
While there are many plot points to discuss regarding the College Football Playoff Semifinal game, let’s focus on the statistics and matchups to keep an eye on in the Rose Bowl of 2024.
The trenches are where it all begins. The main issues were up front when Alabama’s offense was having trouble this season and head coach Nick Saban was switching around quarterbacks. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line was among the worst in the Power 5 as well as the SEC, so even as Milroe got used to his new life, he was under pressure.
Still, as the season progressed, this unit began to become comfortable. Although Milroe was still under pressure at a pretty high rate, some of the pressures and sacks taken might also be attributed to the signal-caller. Having said that, more time in the pocket helped Milroe develop into a strong candidate for the Heisman Trophy and one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the second half of the campaign. Still, clean pockets against Michigan are unusual.
Throughout the regular season, the pass rush of the Wolverines was among the best in the country. Not only are the overall season statistics remarkable, but Jesse Minter, the defensive coordinator, particularly benefited from it in a few pivotal games.
Against Penn State in Week 11, Michigan’s pressure rate on 29 Nittany Lion dropbacks was 31%. A few weeks later, the Wolverines’ defense yielded six pressures, four hurries, and a 19.4% pressure rate in their matchup with Ohio State.
Alabama’s improved pass defense is encouraging, particularly considering that in the SEC Championship game, it gave up just 4 pressures and 1 quarterback hit to the Georgi Bulldogs, registering a 91.4 PFE. But this is one of the Wolverines’ greatest advantages, and it might be essential to slowing Milroe down.
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