Three X-factors for Michigan against Alabama in CFP semifinals

For the third consecutive year, the Michigan Wolverines will spend the holidays prepping to stuff the run, not stockings, as they face the vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. 

This time, the Wolverines will look to flip the script after dropping their last two semifinals, a 34-11 drubbing versus Georgia in 2021 and a 51-45 heartbreaker against TCU last season.

Here are three Wolverine X-factors against Alabama who can help the program reach unprecedented territory. Michigan has never played in a CFP title game.

1. AJ Barner | Tight end 

Barner, a 6-foot-6, 250-pounder, is one of the country's best blocking tight ends and an unsung hero this season. Against Alabama, though, he'll have a chance to make his mark as a receiver. The Crimson Tide have had trouble against tight ends this season.

In 10 games against Power Five opponents, Alabama gave up 30 receptions and 431 receiving yards to tight ends, including 53 yards on five catches to Georgia's Brock Bowers in the SEC Championship Game. 

While much of Alabama's attention will likely be on standout Colston Loveland, the sophomore tight end who was second on the team this season with 572 yards receiving, look for Barner (22 catches, 249 yards) to be targeted on play action and in the red zone. 

2. Alex Orji | Quarterback

The Orji hype train is about to leave the station. Already a certified athletic marvel, Orji — a sophomore quarterback from Texas — has shown fans a few glimpses of what the future might hold, especially on a 20-yard run on a read-option against Ohio State. The man has wheels.