re: Michigan Fans Takes On Alabama

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1. Our WRs v their CBs - Funny thing about this is there is no expectation that we'll have any success here. Rational Michigan fans understand that we don't have the horses on the outside this year, conversely Alabama's secondary is fantastic. I actually think this is a good thing for Michigan. I'd much rather have their best defensive unit matched up against our weakest. It's like wasting an Ace against a 2 in a card game of War. But also, if we do get some early success from this unit it could demoralize them a bit.

2. Our TEs v their LBs/safeties? - Obviously this should be a big advantage for Michigan. MGoBlog crew thinks their LBs run in the wrong direction often, and/or just aren't very good. Not much more to say here.

3. Our OL v their DL - Zinter's injury could end up being the difference. But I feel like G Barnhart/T Jones might not be all that much of a step down compared to G Zinter/T Barnhart. While their DEs are expert, their DL is supposed to be, not. We SHOULD be able to run between the tackles a bit, and that to me will be the most important aspect of this side of the ball for me. I'll take 4/5 yards to grind and possess all game.

4. Minter v Milroe - Not sure why I am putting this at #4 because this is the most important key to the game for me. Sure, Milroe has improved and has cut down on mistakes since Texas. But I still think Minter can show this young QB coverage looks that he hasn't seen (see MHJ's post Michigan game comments) as well as pressure/stunts to add enough pressure to force him into inaccurate throws and/or costly mistakes.

5. Our DL/DEs v their OL - They had 2 5* freshmen LTs until recently. Proctor won the job and the other guy is now off the team. While Proctor is obviously talented enough to start as a freshman at LT for Alabama, he's still just a freshman. And the rest of their line isn't supposed to be fantastic. Meanwhile our DEs & DLs are very good and very deep. Just feels like they'll strengthen throughout the game and Minter will dial up some stunts (which have been killer) and just enough blitzes to make this a great matchup for Michigan.

6. Our spies/LBs v Milroe's legs - This will clearly be an important matchup as well. Milroe doesn't want to run, he wants to be a pocket passer. UGA at times had 2 spies standing in no man's land. Hindsight is 20/20, but what a mistake that was. I can't imagine Minter deciding to do that. Better to use those guys either in coverage or to pressure the pocket. Barrett/Colson are about as good as we've had in the last few years to combat Milroe's scrambles.

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