Alabama defenders praise Michigan QB, but not for throwing the ball

The Alabama Crimson Tide defense is preparing for a challenge against the undefeated Michigan Wolverines and their offense in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. It doesn’t seem, however, that the Tide is overly worried about Michigan's air attack.

In typical Crimson Tide fashion, defensive players have been effusive in their praise for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Defensive back Malachi Moore praised Michigan's balance on offense, something he attributed to McCarthy, as reported by BamaOnLine.

“J.J. does a good job of managing their offense and setting up the offense," Moore said, "changing the look if you give away a blitz or something like that, checking the calls and putting his team in the best situation to win."

Fellow defensive back Terrion Arnold agreed when he appeared on "The Next Round," comparing McCarthy to Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, who played at LSU.

“When you are playing against somebody, you have to give them the credit they deserve," Arnold said, as reported by Touchdown Alabama. "J.J. is a very good athlete. When you watch him on film, it surprises you how much he does run. He scrambles and has his eyes downfield.”

What neither Alabama player mentioned, however, was McCarthy's ability to beat Alabama with his arm and based on the past few games, there's a good chance they're correct.

Against Purdue on Nov. 4, McCarthy threw for 335 yards. In the four games since then, he hasn't cracked 150 yards passing and has thrown for one touchdown pass and one interception total.

Instead, the offense has relied on running back Blake Corum, who scored three rushing touchdowns against Purdue and added two scores on the ground in each of the four games since.

It could be that Michigan has simply been riding the hot hand in recent games. Or as some Big Ten coaches have posited, it could be that Michigan's offense has sputtered after the program's sign-stealing scheme became public.

Regardless of the reason, Michigan has heavily relied on the running game recently and opposing coaches have taken notice. So, too, have the Crimson Tide players.