Alabama had some questions to answer for its season finale against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. Here are four.
Will Alabama run wild on Michigan?
Not in the first half. Michigan entered the game allowing 119 yards per game and the Crimson Tide was stuffed in the first half for just 60 yards. Najee Harris turned it on in the second half and finished with 136 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Alabama had 153 for the game.
Will the Alabama defense miss Lewis, Diggs?
With Terrell Lewis and Trevon Diggs out for the game, Chris Allen and Josh Jobe got the start at linebacker and cornerback. Both played well – Jobe was picked on early but didn’t give up a catch, stayed home on an underneath handoff to make the tackle. If he didn’t, it would have been a big Michigan gain, perhaps a TD. He also had a nice pass breakup and hard–hit tackle in the third quarter.
More success vs. the Big Ten?
Nick Saban is now 7-1 against Big Ten teams in his Alabama career with the only loss coming against Ohio State. He’s also 2-0 against Michigan with the Crimson Tide, beating the Wolverines in 2012.
Which QB will have the better performance?
Alabama’s Mac Jones started hot, waned a little in between, but finished strong, going 16 of 25 for 327 yards with three touchdowns for his second win as a starter. Shea Patterson had a decent game, but was shut down in the second half, going 17 of 37 for 233 yards and a touchdown.
