Jim Harbaugh on Rose Bowl, Alabama matchup: 'We're thrilled to be where we're at'
Michigan Wolverines football is the No. 1 team in the country, set to play No. 4 Alabama, the top program in the sport this century, in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines are 13-0, Big Ten champions and have their sights set on achieving even more.
“We’re excited to face them,” Harbaugh said. “It’s iconic. It’s Alabama. It’s Roll Tide. It’s 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.
“What we did was special. Not only yesterday [in a 26-0 win over Iowa] 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, thrilled to be playing in the Rose Bowl because it’s going to be competition. That’s what this team lives for.”
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Michigan last faced Alabama in the Citrus Bowl Jan. 1, 2020, 35-16, after holding a 16-14 halftime lead. The Maize and Blue went 2-4 in the following COVID season before ascending into one of the most dominant programs in the country over the last three seasons, going 38-3 in their last 41 contests. Alabama has been back competing for national titles since that point, too, winning it all in 2020 and reaching the championship game the following campaign.
“The kind of stuff you hope for, you work for, you plan for,” the Michigan coach said of the spot his team is in. “To be in that position, nothing but the highest respect for [Alabama head] Coach [Nick] Saban. He’s always treated us with respect, and going back to, I guess the first time I met him was when Michigan State or Marquette were playing at a Final Four in New Orleans. I think it was Marquette, when [Harbaugh’s brother-in-law] Tom Crean was coaching there and he was at the game and we had a chance to have a conversation. Also a couple of the Heisman Trophy awards ceremonies when our players have been invited, whether it was at Stanford or Michigan.
“Super interesting to talk to, and yeah, we’re going against the best. Tradition is — two true blue bloods of football, facing Alabama.”
The Maize and Blue have won three straight Big Ten titles and made the CFP in 2021 and 2022, as well, now intent on taking the next step.
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“We’ve accomplished many of our goals, and now winning it all is what we had also put on the goal sheet,” Harbaugh said. “That’s what we’ll turn our one-track mind to, to this next opponent and playing Alabama in the Final Four, and we’ll do what we always do. We’ll play, we’ll prepare, we’ll practice, and get ready to give it our very best.”
Jim Harbaugh discusses Jalen Milroe
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe wasn’t even the team’s starter to begin the season but has emerged as one of the most dynamic signal-callers in the sport in recent weeks. He’s completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 2,718 yards and 23 touchdowns against 6 interceptions, while rushing for 468 yards and 12 scores.
“He’s playing at an elite level, and you can see the improvement throughout the season,” Harbaugh said of Milroe. “Just really seems like he hit an inflection point there right before the halfway mark. Got also a special set of athletic skills.
“But as far as like 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 we just have noticed the level he’s playing at. He’s elite.”
