Joel Klatt gives his first impressions of Alabama vs. Michigan matchup

Joel Klatt loves the Michigan–Alabama matchup on paper and the Rose Bowl should have one heck of a College Football Playoff.

Michigan’s been dominant all year but Alabama presents a new challenge. Particularly at quarterback with Jalen Milroe, someone of that caliber the Wolverines have yet to face.

Milroe can change the game in an instant with his rocket arm or his tremendous speed.

“When I first saw Michigan-Alabama, I immediately thought to myself, it’s going to be a tough one for Michigan in particular because of Jalen Milroe,” Klatt said on his podcast. “Jalen Milroe is absolutely the most dynamic running quarterback that Michigan will have seen during the course of the season. That’s been a great defense, there’s no doubt. 

“One of the best if not the best defense in the country. But that’s a dynamic that they will have to deal with for really the first time nobody on their schedule has been able to threaten them like Jalen Milroe will threaten them.” 

However, the biggest difference between both teams is the line of scrimmage. Right now: edge to Michigan over Alabama.

“I think Tommy Rees has gotten better and better as the offensive coordinator of the Alabama Crimson Tide, and they’re going to have a formidable battle at the line of scrimmage with a Michigan team that is built to be great at the line of scrimmage,” Klatt said.

“Milroe played really well in that SEC Championship game. Now you know, that’s first blush, his ability to run and use his legs, I think that could cause the Michigan Wolverines some problems.”

Blake Corum honest about Michigan facing Alabama

There’s a reason running back Blake 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.”