Citrus Bowl: #13 Alabama 35, #14 Michigan 16 (Postgame)

[Temp430]

When: Jan 1st, 1 PM
Where: Orlando, FL
TV:  TBA
Line: Alabama by 7

[MaximumSam]

Definitely will be some Bammer players sitting out, and this is a quality chance for some Michigan guys (Patterson, Collins) to look good to the NFL

[Brutus Buckeye]

Last time it was 41-14 Bama

[ELA]

Definitely will be some Bammer players sitting out, and this is a quality chance for some Michigan guys (Patterson, Collins) to look good to the NFL

They were saying the same on the Athletic's UM/MSU podcast.  That a bunch of UM guys who may have sat out the Holiday Bowl vs. Washington or Gator Bowl vs. Kentucky, might be now playing to put some film out there against Alabama.

[FearlessF]

does Harbaugh seem excited about the opportunity and challenge?

[Brutus Buckeye]

Cringiest.
Analogy.
Ever.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTNTkf7grNk&t=961s

[ELA]

CITRUS BOWL

#14 Michigan Wolverines (9-3) vs. #13 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3)

January 1 @ 1:00 - Orlando, FL - ABC

Does Alabama care?  That's seemingly the only question anyone is asking.  It's tough to say.  Since Saban got things rolling in his second year in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide have only been playing in a bowl game without the national title in play three times.  They lost twice, and the other time the had multiple players say it was only Michigan State players flexing and talking crap to them before the game that got them ready to go.  This is quite possibly the worst Alabama team since Saban's first year.  It's only the second time (2010 being the other) that the Tide picked up multiple regular season losses.  That 2010 team played 8 ranked teams, and beat 5 of them, by an average of 22.4, and had the Cam Newton national title team dead to rights, before a Mark Ingram fumble led to a massive collapse.  This version of the Tide hasn't beaten anyone with a pulse, their best win being over a 7-5 Texas A&M team, and that was when they still had Tua.  A decade ago?  This game is outstanding, now, you just hope these teams care.  There are a couple of reasons to be optimistic.  First, Nick Saban has not hidden his disdain for Jim Harbaugh, dating back to at least the whole satellite camp thing.  And while both have that midwest mentality, Saban would lock his team in the facility all week if he was allowed, and seems to detest any outside human interaction, while Harbaugh trots his team across Europe and gives quirky quotes.  Second, these are two programs that absolutely pride themselves on defense, that's their identity.  Yet, Alabama gave up 94 points in their two losses, and gave up 23 to South Carolina, 31 to Ole Miss, 28 to Texas A&M.  The only teams this Crimson Tide defense shut down were Duke, New Mexico State, Southern Miss, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Western Carolina.  For their part, Michigan's defense had another year of getting shredded by Ohio State, who has scored 118 points in their last two games.  Last year, Michigan followed the Ohio State bombing by letting Florida put up 41 on them.  If they go another year of looking good all year, then turning into a sieve in the final two games, the talk will really heat up.  Finally, you've got Josh Gattis, with all the early season drama of who was the key to Bama's historic 2018 offense.  You know he wants to show his old boss he should have paid up to hold onto him.  I know there's very little analysis in this breakdown, but this is the ultimate "where are their heads at" game, so trying to look beyond those intangibles seems pointless.  I think it's close, and when Alabama and Michigan are playing a close game into the 4th quarter on New Years Day, maybe it'll feel like this would have felt a decade ago.

ALABAMA 30, MICHIGAN 27

[Cincydawg]

Excellent analysis, I think, where are their heads?  

[bayareabadger]

I feel like this bowl will only produce a range of narratives, most of which are annoying. 

[CWSooner]

I feel like this bowl will only produce a range of narratives, most of which are annoying.

I can think of two.
Michigan wins: Bama wasn't interested in the game after two late-season disappointments.
Bama wins: Bama showed its character after two late-season disappointments.

[Abba]

Oh come on.  You know if Michigan wins, there will be some talking head telling us that the Bama dynasty is over.  None of us will believe that, but it will definitely be a narrative.

[TyphonInc]

Oh come on.  You know if Michigan wins, there will be some talking head telling us that the Bama dynasty is over.  None of us will believe that, but it will definitely be a narrative.

I don't see it.
If Alabama shows up it's a 42-10 type whipping. 
If TTUN pulls the upset, the story will be how valuable Tau was, how 'bama had checked out, and how 'bama is reloading to knock a Joe Burrow-less Tigers next year, with the #2 recruiting class and the #1 QB. I don't think anyone will claim the dynasty is over. 

[TyphonInc]

Cringiest.
Analogy.
Ever.

O M Goodness.

[Riffraft]

Oh come on.  You know if Michigan wins, there will be some talking head telling us that the Bama dynasty is over.  None of us will believe that, but it will definitely be a narrative.

Sorry but I don't see that as the narrative, it will definitely be full of excuse as to why Alabama lost the game.