Paul Finebaum weighs in on Georgia vs. Michigan semifinal matchup

The Michigan Wolverines are standing in front of Kirby Smart and Georgia in their journey toward a national title.

Though he gave rare credit to Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan program as a whole, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum believes the Bulldogs will prevail in the College Football Playoff semifinal showdown.

“I am well aware that Georgia laid a big egg in Atlanta a couple weeks ago, but I think they will figure some things out,” Finebaum said when asked if he believes the Michigan Wolverines can knock off Georgia. “Having said that, I don’t want to rain down on Jim Harbaugh. I’ve done that for years and have been finally proven wrong this year. He’s been spectacular. I give him all the credit in the world. I felt like he deserved to be the national coach of the year. He has built a team from the ashes, a year ago, many were wondering if he would even be around.

“I really give a lot of credit to the Michigan Wolverines program but I really don’t know if they are quite ready for what they are going to get into with this Georgia Bulldogs defense.”

Cole Cubelic on if Michigan Wolverines can copy what Alabama did to Georgia

Michigan is watching what Alabama did to Georgia and hoping they can do the same thing to the Bulldogs. Ahead of their College Football Playoff showdown, Cole Cubelic joined the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast to discuss whether the Wolverines can mimic the Crimson Tide’s performance.

“To do what Alabama did to Georgia? No, I don’t believe so,” started Cubelic. “The only time we’ve seen the Michigan Wolverines really be that team this year was against Michigan State, and that’s maybe the worst pass defense in the last ten years of college football.

“I don’t think they can do it that way, but that doesn’t mean they can’t win the game. I think they can have success — I think they can find success.”

While the Michigan Wolverines may not have a Bryce Young or Jameson Williams, their offense has gotten the job done to get them to this point. Cubelic doesn’t believe they can do it the way Alabama did, but that doesn’t mean he’s counting out Jim Harbaugh and company.

Furthermore, Cubelic elaborated on what he believes the Michigan offense does well.

“I don’t think Cade McNamara can go out and throw for 382 yards, I just don’t think Michigan is built the same way that Alabama is,” stated Cubelic. “Where they are built is upfront with an elite offensive line and a stable of elite tailbacks. A really good group of tight ends. Quarterback who’s a bit of a gamer.”

The Michigan Wolverines will have to match or surpass the effort they gave against Ohio State if they want to come out victorious.