The CFP features a captivating Rose Bowl matchup between Alabama and Michigan.
Among the few legendary coaches who remain are Nick Saban and Jim Harbaugh. The sport has long been defined by its giants.
At Alabama, Saban has led the team to six national titles, creating the most successful program of the twenty-first century. With flair and controversy, Harbaugh has brought his alma mater back to life, leading Michigan to three consecutive College Football Playoff appearances.
On Monday in the Rose Bowl, they will square off on opposing sidelines for just the second time. The Wolverines (13-0) and Crimson Tide (12-1) square off in a thrilling CFP semifinal involving the two top-seeded major college football programs.
This 110th Granddaddy of Them All is one of the most anticipated games in the 10-year history of the playoffs, in large part due to the coaching matchup. The winner will go to Houston the following week to play Texas or Washington for the championship.
However, to differing degrees, Saban and Harbaugh both acknowledge the universal truth that extraordinary success comes with the inability to fully appreciate it, at least while it is happening.
Although both coaches have behaved politely during their public appearances in Southern California, it is obvious that the significance of this matchup weighs heavily on their minds.
“I do not think back on the past too much,” Saban stated on Sunday, before assuming a stiff posture with the Rose Bowl trophy and an equally formal Harbaugh. “I am kind of excited about today and tomorrow.”
Following a flawless regular season during which he was only able to attend half of the games due to two three-game suspensions, Harbaugh has been his typical gregarious self at the Rose Bowl, whether it be taking a hilarious scouting report on Jesus or riding in a horse-drawn carriage at Disneyland (“He would have been a five-star player, without a doubt about it). He could have been a coach in the Hall of Fame.”).
However, the quintessential Michigan Man also broached solemnly about the inspiration he will instill in his players. Even though Harbaugh was able to turn the Wolverines back into a dominant team, they are still winless in CFP games.
According to Harbaugh, “it means that your players understand what it takes to be a champion.” That is the unique sensation. Their parents understand what it is like to have a grandson, a brother, or a son who excels in sports. It is for each and every one of them as well as everyone we know.”
In the 1970s, when Saban was a young defensive assistant who received advice from Jim’s father, Michigan secondary coach Jack Harbaugh, Saban got to know the Harbaugh family.
In 2020, their coaching careers collided in the Citrus Bowl as Alabama defeated Michigan 35–16 to end the Tide’s only non-postseason season in seven years. At that point, Harbaugh’s much-discussed rebuilding of the Wolverines seemed doomed, but following the shortened 2020 season, Michigan has exploded to a 38-3 record in the following three seasons.
There were just some really difficult days that we had to get through, according to Trevor Keegan, an offensive lineman for Michigan. “Coach Harbaugh told us in a lengthy email following the season that we would be changing this program as a team. And it was either you get on the train and we are moving, or you are getting off, at our first team meeting. We have been working extremely hard to get to this point and achieve the success we have had ever since.”
In Saban’s 17 years in charge, Alabama has never gone longer than three seasons without winning a national championship, but the Tide must win this one to maintain the run. Additionally, Saban is returning to the historic stadium where, in 2010, he helped Alabama win its first national championship by defeating Texas.
The majority of observers concur that Saban’s performance as a coach this year was among his best of his career. The team faltered in September, but after hiring two new coordinators in the offseason, Saban brought life to the team and guided it to 11 straight victories and an SEC championship.
“We got some pretty good rat poison early on,” Saban said, using his favorite term for ambient noise. It was similar to Wheaties in that everyone said we were done, we were not good, Coach Saban was past his prime, and other such things. It was beneficial to us, similar to eating Wheaties, the “Breakfast of Champions.”
FINAL PARTY?
Beneath the excitement is the quiet possibility that, depending on who loses, this might be the last game at his school for the famous coach.
In recent months, there have been whispers of Saban’s retirement in college football’s backroom circles. Saban is 72 years old. In a humorous manner, Saban has publicly dismissed it.
Yes, Saban replied, “I have heard them before.” “I believe that everyone is waiting for you to— you know— when you get to be my age.”
Furthermore, it will not come as a surprise to anyone if 60-year-old Harbaugh decides to rejoin the NFL, given that NCAA investigators are following him and the Michigan Wolverines. It would make even more sense as punctuation if Michigan were to win a national championship.
Large-scale finishes
Michigan has its third straight berth in the CFP, while the Tide are there for the eighth time in ten years.
Alabama advanced to this point by defeating Georgia, the two-time defending national champion, in the SEC title game after Georgia had won 29 straight games, thanks to Jalen Milroe’s incredible touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond on fourth-and-31 during the Iron Bowl.
After defeating Iowa in the Big Ten title game and Ohio State in The Game, Michigan dominated the playoffs and secured its first No. 1 ranking since 1997.
THE OFFENSE IN ALABAMA
After spending a week on the bench in September, Milroe has developed into the starting quarterback for the Tide, and Michigan needs to guard against both his arm and legs. One of Milroe’s signature big plays from last month’s victory over Auburn was a 31-yard touchdown pass on fourth down.
Leading rusher Jase McClellan is anticipated to return following his absence from the SEC championship game, and Milroe has the ability to find big-play receivers Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond.
Michigan’s offense
J.J. McCarthy is a skilled passer who has a wealth of talented targets, including tight end Colston Loveland, 500-yard receiver Roman Wilson, and wide receiver Cornelius Johnson. McCarthy has put up 2,630 yards and 19 touchdowns against four interceptions. Remarkable rusher Blake Corum has 1,028 yards and 24 touchdowns.
A LONG TIME AGO
With the exception of USC, Michigan has participated in the Rose Bowl Game 21 times. However, this is its first trip since 2007, which highlights the program’s difficulties prior to Harbaugh.
Since 1946, Alabama has not participated in a Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. The Rose Bowl in 2021 was held in Texas due to COVID-19 safety concerns, and Saban’s Tide emerged victorious.
