The Alabama Crimson Tide defense is preparing for a challenge against the undefeated Michigan Wolverines and their offense in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. It doesn’t seem, however, that the Tide is overly worried about Michigan’s air attack.
In typical Crimson Tide fashion, defensive players have been effusive in their praise for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Defensive back Malachi Moore praised Michigan’s balance on offense, something he attributed to McCarthy, as as stated by Baccording
“J.J. does a good job of managing their offense and setting up the offense,” Moore said, “changing the look if you give away a blitz or something like that, checking the calls and putting his team in the best situation to win.”
Fellow defensive back Terrion Arnold agreed when he appeared on “The Next Round,” comparing McCarthy to Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, who played at LSU.
“When you are playing against somebody, you have to give them the credit they deserve,” Arnold said, as reported by Touchdown Alabama. “J.J. is a very good athlete. When you watch him on film, it surprises you how much he does run. He scrambles and has his eyes downfield.”
What neither Alabama player mentioned, however, was McCarthy’s ability to beat Alabama with his arm and based on the past few games, there’s a good chance they’re correct.
On November 4, McCarthy passed for 335 yards against Purdue. He hasn’t passed for 150 yards in any of the last four games, and his total of touchdowns and interceptions is just one.
Rather, the offense has been dependent on running back Blake Corum, who scored two touchdowns on the ground in each of the last four games after scoring three touchdowns on the ground against Purdue.
It’s possible that Michigan has just been winning games lately. Alternatively, as some Big Ten coaches have said, it’s possible that Michigan’s offense has faltered since the news of the program’s sign-stealing technique leaked out.
For whatever reason, Michigan has been relying a lot more on the rushing game lately, and other coaches have noticed. Additionally, the
