How Michigan can attack Alabama's offensive line

In the SEC, facing difficult defensive lines is a weekly routine. However, the Wolverine’s Clayton Safie believes Michigan will provide Alabama with a challenge it hasn’t seen before.

“They’re gonna see these guys come in waves,” Safie said. “They’re gonna sub a lot. Michigan has their rally groups, they call them, where a couple of guys on the interior are in and they have a few plays, and then here come another two guys that are really damn near just as good as the other ones.”

Michigan’s defensive front doesn’t put exceptional pressure on opposing offenses, but it doesn’t need to. The Wolverines only average 2.46 sacks per game, ranking No. 36 in the nation. However, they boast the No. 2 defense in the country, only allowing 239.7 yards per contest.

Even if Michigan did invade Alabama’s backfield, it likely wouldn’t stop the Crimson Tide. Alabama has allowed 3.31 sacks per game this season, the 16th-most in all of FBS. Yet, Nick Saban and Co. enter the CFP on an 11-game win streak.

Michigan is not so different after all

Safie believes Michigan can be the team to end that streak.

“I was looking at pressures on PFF. Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, they lead the SEC with like 52 and 50 pressures,” Safie said. “But, Michigan’s four guys add up to that same amount. I know they’re not playing the same competition, whatever. It’s not apples to apples. Michigan doesn’t maybe have the names of a Dallas Turner, who might be the best defensive prospect in the NFL Draft next year, but they do have a lot of talented guys that are gonna rotate in.

“I watched the Texas game recently. I thought [Alabama OT] Kadyn Proctor really got worked in that game. [Alabama OT] JC Latham gave up a couple of pressures… I think they’ve improved, but it’s going to be a challenge with Michigan’s D-line for sure.”

Michigan knows Alabama won’t lie down. Sophomore defensive lineman Kenneth Grant claimed they haven’t seen any offense like the Crimson Tide yet this season.

“They’re definitely more physical, I think. They’re bigger in size and stuff … a different team,” Grant said this week. “Just the defensive lines they played, how they do their combo blocks and stuff. Certain blocks they do. They’re bigger, faster … we’ve just got to complement that. 

“But it’s just another game, I think [in terms of approach]. Pretty much just like everybody else, we thought Florida State was going to get in there. But … just Alabama. That’s probably what the “oohing” was about [from the team when it was announced].”

Michigan will square off against Alabama at 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl. The winner will advance to the national championship.