Should they stay the course, the Michigan Wolverines should be on track to win the Rose Bowl when they face the Alabama Crimson Tide on New Year's Day.
The Wolverines booked their ticket after bringing down the Iowa Hawkeyes, 26-0, on Saturday, December 2, per the Detroit Free Press. On the other hand, the Crimson Tide advanced after bringing down the no. 1 Georgia Bulldogs, 27-24, also on Saturday.
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For the Wolverines, it was a fitting win since it marked the return of coach Jim Harbaugh. He was coming off a three-game suspension for an alleged sign-stealing incident.
With the stage set, nothing would be more fitting for Harbaugh and the Wolverines than to win the Rose Bowl and increase their chances of winning a national title. Here are some reasons that can back the Wolverines' bid.
The defense has been key for the Wolverines
It may be cliché, but defense wins games in any sport. Football is no exception, and the Wolverines are doing well on the defensive end despite not having standout players.
Harbaugh has had a lot of names hold up the defensive fort. That includes David Ojabo, Kwity Paye, Rashan Gary, Chase Winovich, Taco Charlton, Mazi Smith, and Mike Morris, among others, per ESPN.
Making this run sweeter is that Harbaugh does not have any player that stands out. However, it is filled with talent that has shown in big games. No Michigan defensive lineman has more than 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, or five quarterback hurries, but eight have at least 1.5 sacks, and seven have multiple QB hurries.
Opposing teams have difficulty figuring out the Wolverines
When the season started for the Wolverines, hardly any issues needed to be resolved. They lost their kickers, Jake Moody and Brad Robbins, to the NFL but have still managed to do well in that area.
Someone who has been doing well is James Turner. He went 3-for-3 on field goals against Ohio State. This season, he is 12-for-14 on field goal attempts and 8-for-8 from within 40 yards.
Aside from Turner, there are Jake Thaw and Tyler Morris, who have been doing well on punt runbacks, and opposing teams have not had much luck figuring this out. Will Alabama be the team that will figure this out?
Experience will play a major role
The Wolverines may have lost some players to the NFL, but some veterans are still on the team. That includes Karsen Barnhart, Trente Jones, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards.
"We're always talking about the six best guys, the five best guys, whoever it is," coach Sherrone Moore said.
Ironically, Moore has also been playing a role for the Wolverines, overseeing the lines. Although he has never been a head coach and only became a coordinator in 2021, his approach has also become a factor.
Moore's 3-0 Big Ten stretch without Harbaugh showed he is ready to lead on his own one day. But for now, the focus is helping the Wolverines win the national title.
Heading into the Rose Bowl, Michigan is the favorite over the Crimson Tide. The Wolverines are 2-point spread favorites per ESPN Bet via ABC News.
Moreover, Michigan is also installed as the national championship favorite at +175, followed closely by Alabama (+200).
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