Michigan's Win Over Alabama: Play Review

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Post on Jan 01, 2025

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Michigan's Win Over Alabama: A Play-by-Play Review of a Historic Upset

The 2022-2023 College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between Michigan and Alabama was billed as a clash of titans, a battle between two of college football's most storied programs. But few predicted the outcome: a dominant 31-14 victory for the Wolverines, a resounding upset that sent shockwaves through the college football world. This in-depth play review dissects Michigan's triumph, highlighting the key plays and strategic decisions that led to their historic win.

First Half Domination: Establishing the Run and Stifling Bryce Young

Michigan's game plan was simple yet effective: establish the run and control the clock. This strategy immediately paid dividends. The Wolverines' offensive line, a behemoth unit all season, consistently pushed Alabama's defensive front off the line of scrimmage.

Key Plays in the First Half:

• The opening drive: Michigan's methodical, 16-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a Blake Corum touchdown, set the tone for the entire game. This drive showcased their commitment to the ground game and wore down Alabama's defense early. The consistent positive yardage on first and second down created manageable third-down situations, forcing Alabama to burn clock defensively. This early success was crucial in dictating the tempo and setting the psychological advantage.

• The JJ McCarthy scramble: While the run game dominated, quarterback JJ McCarthy showcased his athleticism with a crucial third-down scramble that kept a drive alive. This play demonstrated McCarthy’s ability to extend plays and keep the offense moving when the pocket collapsed, showcasing his growth as a quarterback. It's a play that often gets overlooked but was pivotal in maintaining Michigan's offensive momentum.

• The Alabama turnover: A crucial fumble by Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, forced by a ferocious hit from Michigan's defense, provided Michigan with excellent field position and swung momentum decisively. This turnover was a turning point in the game, illustrating the Wolverines' ability to create game-changing plays defensively. It's a testament to their aggressive defensive scheme and ability to exploit vulnerabilities in Alabama's offensive line.

• The Blake Corum touchdown (second): Corum’s second touchdown run was the culmination of another long drive that further established Michigan’s dominance in the trenches. This showcased not just Corum’s individual talent, but the effectiveness of Michigan’s overall offensive approach. The play exemplified their commitment to a balanced offensive approach.

Defensively, Michigan stifled Bryce Young and the Alabama offense. The Wolverines’ defensive line consistently pressured Young, limiting his time to throw and forcing inaccurate passes. Their secondary also played remarkably well, shutting down Alabama's passing game, particularly their deep threat receivers. The strategy focused on containing Young’s mobility while limiting big plays. The defensive line's pressure forced Young into hurried throws, leading to several incompletions and effectively neutralizing Alabama’s potent offensive capabilities.

Second Half Consolidation: Maintaining Control and Capitalizing on Opportunities

The second half saw Michigan continue its dominance, effectively managing the clock and extending their lead. While Alabama attempted a comeback, Michigan's defense held firm, forcing punts and limiting big plays.

Key Plays in the Second Half:

• The Donovan Edwards run: Donovan Edwards' impressive runs kept drives alive and consistently gained chunks of yardage. This further illustrated Michigan's commitment to the ground game and their ability to create big plays on the ground, regardless of who was carrying the ball. This was key in keeping Alabama's offense off the field and managing the game's clock effectively.

• The Michigan defensive stand in the red zone: Several times in the second half, Alabama reached Michigan's red zone only to be thwarted by staunch defensive efforts. This showcased the Wolverines’ discipline and ability to close out the game in critical situations. These defensive stands were essential in preventing Alabama from closing the gap.

• The late-game field goal: A late field goal extended Michigan's lead, effectively sealing the victory. This play displayed Michigan’s tactical maturity and understanding of the game situation. It's a testament to their commitment to managing the clock and putting points on the board consistently.

In the second half, Michigan showcased its adaptability. While they continued to emphasize the running game, they also incorporated passing plays to keep Alabama's defense honest and prevent them from stacking the box. This balanced approach kept Alabama's defense guessing and contributed significantly to Michigan’s victory.

The Strategic Masterclass: Jim Harbaugh's Game Plan

Jim Harbaugh's game plan deserves significant praise. He successfully exploited Alabama's weaknesses, focusing on establishing the run early, controlling the clock, and keeping Bryce Young contained. This strategy neutralized Alabama's strengths and allowed Michigan to dictate the tempo of the game. Harbaugh's decision to commit to the run, even when faced with potential setbacks, ultimately paid off handsomely. This game plan exhibited a remarkable level of strategic awareness and a deep understanding of both his own team's strengths and Alabama's vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: A Historic Upset Built on Superior Execution

Michigan's victory over Alabama was not a fluke. It was the result of a superior game plan, exceptional execution, and a commitment to a clear and effective strategy. The Wolverines' dominant performance on both sides of the ball, showcased through controlling the line of scrimmage and effectively neutralizing Bryce Young, proved that they were the better team on that day. This victory not only cemented Michigan's place among the nation's elite but also serves as a blueprint for future teams looking to upset college football's giants. The meticulous preparation, strategic flexibility, and overall execution demonstrated by Michigan in this game will be studied and analyzed for years to come. The game cemented Michigan's legacy and underscored the importance of a well-defined game plan, outstanding coaching, and unwavering execution on the field.