Jalen Milroe evaluates what stands out about Michigan ahead of Rose Bowl

Jalen Milroe knows he has a tough challenge ahead of him when Alabama takes on Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

The Wolverines went undefeated and captured the No. 1 seed through sheer toughness, at least according to Milroe. A tenacious team for three years, the Wolverines want to finally get over the hump.

But if Milroe plays up to snuff, it’s certainly going to be a war in Pasadena.

“Michigan, first thing that pops up on tape, they’re a very tough team,” Milroe said. “There is a reason why they’re undefeated. Because of how all the pieces came together, they force turnovers. They play hard together and we see that. It jumps off on tape, so we have a hard task in front of us and we have to prepare the right way to be ready to play Michigan.”

Milroe can certainly carve up a solid defense, especially with the way he played down the stretch of the season. This year, Milroe has 2,718 yards, 23 touchdowns, six interceptions, a 65.5% completion percentage, 468 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

“Jalen is a phenomenal athlete, first and foremost,” Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “A great football player. He can do a lot. I really think they’ve settled into what he does really well over the course of the season so give a lot of credit to Tommy Rees, coach [Nick] Saban, their coaching staff … 

“I think early in the year, any time you have a new starter, it’s kind of maybe think you know what his strengths and weaknesses are and then you get out there and play, play in the games games that they play in. He’s an elite athlete. He’s an elite runner.”

So, Milroe commands respect from Michigan as well. Since it’s mutual, we’re in for a good College Football Playoff semifinal.

Milroe’s dual threat ability is something that’ll keep Michigan on its toes the entire night.

“But he’s a really good quarterback,” Milroe said. “He throws the ball better than I think most people give him credit for. He’s made a lot of big plays on deep balls this year and he’s really capable of making that second play, which is a lot times the most dangerous as a defense to — you stop the play or you cover the deep route, everybody’s deep and in their zones and then he has the ability to take off.”

The Rose Bowl is set for January 1st at 5:00 p.m. ET with a spot in the national championship on the line.