Sherrone Moore downplays narrative of Big Ten proving itself vs. SEC in bowl season

Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines took care of business in the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide, helping the Big Ten in their war against the SEC.

While Moore downplayed the importance of Michigan’s win in the grand scheme of things, it certainly helped the Big Ten push back against the narrative that the SEC is the best conference in college football by far. The Big Ten as a whole fared well against the SEC throughout bowl season, and Moore was proud of the way his Wolverines fought back against the Crimson Tide.

“I don’t think that — we don’t look at it as trying to make a statement, or do anything to prove anybody wrong. It’s all about us getting better, and proving ourselves right. We don’t care about the opinions of other people and all that,” Moore stated, via his postgame press conference after Michigan’s win over Alabama. “But I think it’s shown that, throughout the years, last year and this year, that the Big Ten is as competitive of a conference in college football as any.

“I don’t think there’s a question about the Big Ten and the SEC. Two great conferences, right? They’re two great conferences, so I’ll leave it at that.”

Regardless, the win over Alabama sent Moore’s team into the offseason with the vibes high. Michigan didn’t have their best season after capturing the national title last year, but the Wolverines certainly finished strong in 2024.

Looking ahead to 2025, Sherrone Moore and company will face another SEC squad next season, a trip to Norman to play the Oklahoma Sooners slated for Sept. 6. That’s sure to be a doozy of a game, between two teams hoping for better results after disappointing 2024 campaigns.

Sherrone Moore sees ‘bright future’ for Jordan Marshall

Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines have become known for their excellent running backs in recent seasons. Now, it appears head coach Sherrone Moore has found the program’s next great running back in Jordan Marshall.

Following the ReliaQuest Bowl, Moore praised Marshall. In particular, he highlighted how exciting the future is for the young running back.

“Yeah, I think he’s got a bright future,” Sherrone Moore said. “Like I said, he reminds me so much of Blake [Corum]. The way he approaches his business, and what he does off the field to take care of his body, and you obviously saw how he runs. He’s a physical runner, he can make people miss, he can run you over, he obviously has that burst.” 

Jordan Marshall got an opportunity to show off his abilities in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama. In the win, he had 23 carries for 100 yards. That led all players from both teams for the game. 

“And all the credit in the world to Alabama and the way they play defense – physical style of defense, but I thought our guys really bowed up and played physical ball,” Moore said. “But Jordan Marshall’s gonna be a special back. He’s got a lot of ability, but he works really hard, so I think that’s the piece that really makes him different.”

On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this article.