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.
In preparation of Alabama, the Wolverines have been using Orji as their scout-team quarterback. He, like Alabama's Jalen Milroe, is a dual-threat QB who keeps defenses on their heels. Stuff the box and you'll get beat deep; sit back in coverage and you'll get picked apart over the middle and on screens.
One bold prediction: Against Alabama, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will let Orji sling the rock for the first time this season. In all four appearances this year, Orji has operated out of the shotgun in a run-pass option scheme. The results thus far are 11 carries for 69 yards and zero pass attempts.
Don't be surprised if the Wolverines coaching staff has a trick up its sleeve with its ace in the hole.
3. James Turner | Kicker
Turner has been sensational for Michigan in his first year playing for his home-state team. The Louisville transfer made 16-of-18 field-goal attempts this season and hasn't missed since September.
Against Ohio State, he drilled three field goals in the second half (from 50, 38 and 37 yards) to help secure Michigan's third straight win in "The Game," proving that he's built for big moments and big games.
To beat Alabama, the Wolverines must play their best and cleanest game of the season. Turner's leg might go a long way toward determining whether Michigan can do just that.
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