What Jim Harbaugh said about facing Alabama in Rose Bowl

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh joined the Rose Bowl Selection Day Teleconference shortly after it was announced the Wolverines, ranked No. 1 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25, will face No. 4 Alabama in the semifinal in Pasadena, Calif. Below is a full transcript of his early thoughts on the Crimson Tide and more during his 10 minutes with reporters.

Harbaugh’s opening statement… 

“We are also thrilled to be playing in the CFP (semifinal) at the Rose Bowl game. Thank you.”

Harbaugh on Jalen Milroe overcoming adversity…

“He’s playing at an elite level. You can see the improvement throughout the season. Just really seems like he hit an inflection point there right before the halfway mark and also has a special set of athletic skills. But as far as timing, decision-making, accuracy, he’s playing really well within the system. They’ve designed some great stuff for him. We have a similar quarterback, so yeah, we just have noticed the level he’s playing at is elite.”

Harbaugh on Milroe’s connection with Isaiah Bond…

“You’re right, I can’t talk too much to that connection with just really what I’ve seen and some of the games I’ve watched. Yeah, I’d hate to talk too much into it and pretend like I know something I really don’t. Just really been able to look through the keyhole, but it really look good. As I said, the precision in the passing game has been noticeable. The improvement to where it’s at now is at an elite level.”

Harbaugh on Michigan’s reaction to playing Alabama…

“No, we’re excited to face them. It’s iconic. It’s Alabama. It’s Roll Tide. Man, it doesn’t get any better to be playing in the Rose Bowl. Just going to appreciate the tradition of the Rose Bowl, playing a great team like Alabama. I mean, it always has meaning, and what we did was special, not only yesterday but the entire season, the whole group that we have, we’re thrilled. We’re thrilled to be where we’re at. We’re thrilled to be playing Alabama. We’re thrilled to be playing in the Rose Bowl because it’s going to be competition. That’s what this team lives for.”

Michigan reacts to Alabama being selected at No. 4. Wolverines and Crimson Tide in the CFP semi. pic.twitter.com/V2mrgLQA3W

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 3, 2023

Harbaugh on facing Alabama’s defensive front seven…

“The last four weeks, I think we played some of the top defenses in the country in Penn State, Iowa, Ohio State, all top-five defenses, and Alabama is as good as all of them or better. So yeah, it’ll be a big challenge, a big test.”

Harbaugh on how much having three extra weeks to prepare helps…

“I think the most beneficial part is getting healthy and getting the team back fresh and healthy and ready to roll.”

Harbaugh on his relationship with Nick Saban…

“It’s the kind of stuff you hope for, you plan for, you work for, and to be in that position, nothing but the highest respect for Coach Saban. He’s always treated us with respect, going back to when I first met him. The first time I met him was when Michigan State or Marquette was at a Final Four in New Orleans. I think it was Marquette when Tom Crean was coaching there, and he was at the game. We had a chance to have a conversation. Also, a couple of the Heisman Trophy award ceremonies when our players have been invited, whether it was at Stanford or Michigan. Super interesting to talk to, and we’re going against the best. Tradition is, wow, true bluebloods of football facing Alabama.”

Harbaugh on representing the Big Ten in the last year of the four-team CFP…

“Just as you’d expect, just a great thrill of victory. Wonderful, wonderful feeling of winning. It’s what dreamed about, what we hoped for, what we’ve worked for, what our guys prepared for and in position. Get in position, put yourself in position to be in position to win it all. So we’ve accomplished many of our goals, and now, winning it all is what we’d also put on the goal sheet, so that’s what we’re our turn our one-track mind to this next opponent and playing Alabama in the final four and we’ll do what we always do. We’ll plan, we’ll prepare, we’ll practice and get ready to give it our very best.”

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