The Rose Bowl has more significance and history than any other venue. This could be a game for the ages as it serves as the host for a College Football Playoff Semifinal matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines.
During the regular season, Michigan was the best team in college football, earning the No. 1 spot in the CFP after finishing first in FPI, second in strength of resume, and boasting one of the best defenses in college football. The Crimson Tide, on the other hand, came alive in the second half of the season, defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC title game to sneak into the playoffs.
While there are numerous storylines to discuss for the College Football Playoff Semifinal matchup, let’s take a look at the stats to know and matchups to watch in the 2024 Rose Bowl.
Everything begins in the trenches. The biggest issues for Alabama’s offense this year, when head coach Nick Saban was rotating quarterbacks, were up front. Even as he settled in, Milroe was under pressure because Alabama’s offensive line was not only one of the worst in the SEC, but also one of the worst in the Power 5.
Sacks Permitted PressuresPass Blocking Effectiveness
Weeks 0-7: 14 (4th in Power 5)61 (the 22nd most)84.6 (58th)
Weeks 8-16 (6th)40 (twelfth-best)88.2 (31st)
Pro Football Focus statistics
However, as the season progressed, this unit began to settle in. Milroe was still under pressure at a high rate, but the signal-caller was also to blame for some of the pressures and sacks. Having said that, more pocket time transformed Milroe into a Heisman Trophy contender and one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the second half of the season. However, clean pockets are rare against Michigan.
Throughout the regular season, the Wolverines had one of the best pass rushes in the country. Not only are the season-long numbers impressive, but it also came through in big games for defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Michigan’s defense has an 8.6% sack rate (14th in FBS), 2.5 sacks per game (35th), and a PFF pass-rushing grade of 91.1.
Michigan recorded a 31 percent pressure rate on 29 dropbacks by the Nittany Lions in Week 11 against Penn State. A few weeks later, the Wolverines’ defense recorded 6 pressures, 4 hurries, and a 19.4 percent pressure rate against Ohio State.
Alabama’s pass protection has improved, especially after allowing only 4 pressures and 1 QB hit to the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game with a 91.4 PFE. However, this is one of the Wolverines’ strongest suits, and it could be crucial in slowing Milroe down.
