Blake Corum on Michigan being No. 1: 'We are the top dog'

Blake Corum didn’t mince words: Michigan is the best team and the “top dog” in the College Football Playoff.

Obviously, the Wolverines were named the No. 1 team in the CFP reveal and take on No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Washington and Texas were named No. 2 and 3, respectively.

But there’s a reason Corum and the Wolverines are brimming with confidence: they certainly feel like they’re the best team in the country.

“We are the top dog and that’s how we’re going to approach it,” Corum said. “We’re going to approach it like we’re the No. 1 team, they’re the No. 4 team. But they’re a great team you know? We’re not going to go in there saying oh this Alabama team that’s one, one, one, one, you know? 

“We’re that team. We’ve been winning. We deserve to be the No. 1 team. That’s how my mindset works. The committee chose us to be the No. 1 team. So I’m not going to act like we’re not. Alabama is a great team, you know, so we treat them like a great team. So I’m super excited to play Alabama. It will be a good challenge, good matchup.”

Alabama got into the playoff over Florida State, which was seen as controversial since the latter was undefeated and won the ACC. However, the Crimson Tide beat the two-time defending champions and former No. 1 team Geo

“Playing in the Rose Bowl against a great Alabama team, SEC versus Big Ten,” Corum said. “Does it get bigger than this? I don’t know. I know we’re going to prepare like no other … I’m getting chills right now just thinking about it.”

Corum returned for this moment after suffering injuries over the last two productive seasons that ended in the CFP semifinals.

This season, Corum has 218 carries, 1,028 yards, 24 touchdowns and 4.7 yards per carry. He added 14 catches for 82 yards receiving.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Corum was a four-star recruit out of Laurel (M.D.) St. Frances Academy, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 6 overall prospect in the state, the No. 11 running back in the class and the No. 117 overall prospect in the class.

Corum and Michigan arguably have the toughest test with the way Alabama is playing right now. It’ll be under the bright lights in Pasadena in the Grand Daddy of Them All to prove who’s the top dog.