Facing the formidable No. 1 team in the country, Michigan, with the nation’s top-scoring defense in the Rose Bowl presented a daunting challenge for Alabama football. The College Football Playoff semifinals saw Alabama (12-2) go head-to-head with Michigan (14-0), resulting in a hard-fought 27-20 loss. Here’s a breakdown of the grades for various aspects of Alabama’s performance:
Grading Alabama Football Offense: C+
The Crimson Tide’s offense faced early struggles, particularly in pass protection reminiscent of early-season woes. Despite a slow start, there was a noticeable improvement in the second half. However, critical mistakes, including bad snaps and a late-game fumble, hindered the offensive momentum. The ground game provided a glimmer of hope, allowing Alabama to take the lead in the second half.
Defense: B-
The defense exhibited strength early, nearly intercepting Michigan’s quarterback on the first play. However, Michigan found success in both the running and passing game, challenging Alabama. The Crimson Tide managed to tighten their defense after halftime, slowing down Michigan and giving the offense an opportunity to seize control. Unfortunately, a late touchdown and struggles in overtime marred an otherwise commendable defensive effort.
Special Teams: A+
Special teams emerged as the brightest spot for Alabama. Quandarrius Robinson’s recovery of a muffed punt set up a crucial touchdown, showcasing special teams’ impact. Kicker Will Reichard’s impressive field goals, including a 50-yarder before halftime and a 52-yarder in the fourth quarter, added to Alabama’s strength. Punter James Burnip’s contributions in the field position battle further solidified special teams as the standout performer.
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Coaching: B-
Alabama’s coaching staff faced criticism for a sluggish start, especially on offense. Whether attributed to a lackluster game plan or execution issues, the responsibility falls on the coaches for not having Alabama ready from the beginning. Defensive adjustments were notable after halftime, but the overall performance fell short in crucial moments.
Overall: B-
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Alabama demonstrated resilience. Unlike previous victories in less-than-ideal situations, this time, they couldn’t secure the win, leading to the end of the season. The grades reflect a mixed performance with room for improvement, signaling the conclusion of Alabama’s campaign in the Rose Bowl.
