Comparing Alabamas Stats to Michigan Before the CFP Semifinal at Rose Bowl

Alabama Football Earns Spot in College Football Playoff, Sets Stage for Rose Bowl Clash with Michigan

Alabama football has secured a spot in the highly prestigious College Football Playoff after an exceptional 11-game winning streak and a thrilling victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship. The Crimson Tide’s impressive performance has set the stage for an epic clash between two historic programs as they prepare to face off against No. 1 seeded Michigan in the much-anticipated Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024.

As the teams gear up for this monumental showdown, statistical comparisons have shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of both Alabama and Michigan across various categories. In terms of scoring offense, LSU holds the lead with a remarkable 46.4 points per game, while Michigan ranks 14th with 36.7, closely followed by Alabama at 18th with 35.1.

When it comes to rushing offense, Liberty takes the top spot with an impressive 302.9 yards per game. Alabama finds itself in the middle of the pack, ranked 48th with 172.7 yards, while Michigan sits at 59th with 161.8 yards. In passing offense, Washington leads with 343.8 yards per game, with Alabama at 60th with 228.5 and Michigan at 73rd with 218.8.

Switching to defensive prowess, Michigan has proven to be dominant, holding the top spot in scoring defense by allowing a mere 9.46 points per game. Alabama is not far behind, occupying the 17th spot with 18.38 points allowed. Furthermore, UCLA leads in rushing defense, conceding only 69.6 yards per game. Michigan ranks an impressive 5th with 86.6 yards, while Alabama sits at 31st with 124.5 yards.

In passing defense, Ohio State holds the lead, allowing just 147.4 yards per game. Michigan follows closely in 2nd place with 152.6 yards, and Alabama sits at 23rd with 188.8 yards. Examining time of possession, Utah boasts the highest average at 34 minutes per game, with Michigan ranking 11th at 32 minutes and Alabama at 50th with 30 minutes.

The battle in turnover margin showcases Penn State in the lead with an impressive +18. Michigan closely trails with +17, while Alabama sits at 19th with +8. Looking at penalties, Michigan takes the lead with the fewest penalties per game at 2.9, while Alabama averages 6.0 penalties per game.

When it comes to critical third-down conversions, LSU leads with an outstanding 56.7% conversion rate. Both Alabama and Michigan share the 12th spot with a commendable 46.7% conversion rate. Shifting the focus to third-down defense, Georgia leads the way with a stifling 26.4% conversion rate. Michigan ranks 15th at 30.8%, and Alabama follows closely behind at 24th with 33.9%.

The teams’ performance on fourth downs reveals Alabama’s prowess, leading with an impressive 83.3% conversion rate. Michigan ranks 5th, not far behind, with 78.9%. On the defensive side, Western Michigan holds the top spot, with a conversion rate of only 20%. Michigan ranks 7th at 32.1%, and Alabama sits at 10th with 36%.

Examining team sacks, Penn State leads the pack with an outstanding 48 sacks. Alabama ranks 8th with 38, and Michigan sits comfortably at 12th with 33 sacks. Comparing sacks allowed, Oregon is the standout team, allowing only 5 sacks. Michigan has allowed 18 sacks, while Alabama has allowed 43.

Regarding net punting distances, Miami (Ohio) takes the lead with an impressive average of 44.09 yards per punt. Alabama ranks 12th with 41.9 yards, and Michigan follows closely behind at 19th with 41.5 yards.

The notable player performances in this anticipated clash between Alabama and Michigan cannot be overlooked. Michigan’s Blake Corum has achieved an impressive 1,028 yards and 24 touchdowns. Alabama’s Jase McClellan has also had a stellar season, accumulating 825 yards. However, McClellan was unfortunately injured and unavailable for the SEC Championship.

The game-changing quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy for Michigan and Jalen Milroe for Alabama, have played key roles in their teams’ success. McCarthy boasts an impressive completion rate of 74.2%, while Milroe has delivered 23 touchdown passes and rushed for an additional 12.

With Alabama’s solid defense allowing just one game with more than 30 points scored against them and Michigan’s exceptional defense conceding an average of a mere 9.46 points per game, this Rose Bowl matchup has generated significant anticipation among fans and media alike. Both teams are determined to showcase their strengths and secure a spot in the national championship game.