Michigan DL Has Surprising Take On Ohio State’s Bowl Loss…
The Michigan Wolverines aren’t usually in favor of the Ohio State Buckeyes winning in any way, but one player was ready to make an exception for the Cotton Bowl game on Friday night.
Kris Jenkins, a defensive lineman for the Wolverines, expressed his dismay at the Buckeyes’ lackluster performance in a 14-3 loss to the Missouri Tigers. Even with the high number of player absences from opt-outs and injuries, Jenkins found it hard to believe that a team that had challenged Michigan for the Big Ten title could play so poorly in their bowl game.
“I’m a hater, but that ain’t the team we played against on 25th of November,” Jenkins said, via Paolo Uggetti of ESPN. “It wasn’t sad. But dang, man. You feel me? Does that make sense? Your rival, y’all hate each other, but you want them to play good. But that was tough to watch.”
This is probably more insulting to Ohio State than anything else could be. It was a performance so poor that a player from their No. 1 rival essentially felt sorry for them.
To be clear, the Buckeyes’ dismal performance had valid reasons. Marvin Harrison Jr. was among the celebrities who chose to withdraw from the game before the NFL Draft. After Kyle McCord decided to transfer, the Buckeyes were down to backup quarterback Devin Brown; however, Brown was injured and left the game. As a result, the offense only managed 203 yards overall.
For Ohio State, the worst might still be to come. They will most likely be rooting for Alabama in Monday’s semifinal since they will undoubtedly not want to see Jenkins and the Wolverines win a national championship.
READ MORE:
Alabama’s defense gives props to ‘sneaky’ Michigan offense ahead of Rose Bowl…
At Saturday morning’s Rose Bowl media day, Alabama’s defense had nothing but positive things to say about Michigan’s offense.
Linebacker Dallas Turner told Maize n Brew, “I feel like that offense is very efficient in what they do running the ball and stuff like that.” They are also capable of passing the ball. incredibly cunning. With a quarterback like J.J. McCarthy, who is an actual field general and skilled with both his legs and arm,
Turner also commended Michigan’s experienced offensive line, he called Michigan’s Blake Corum a “great running back” and “explosive.”
When asked what makes Michigan’s offense “very sneaky”, Turner pointed to something Michigan fans know very well.
Texas’ last chance needs a deep rewind 2009 Big 12 Championship Game
Turner claimed, “They will attempt to lull you to sleep with the run, run, run, and then they take the shot.”
In addition to agreeing with Turner that Michigan’s offense is cunning, Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry noted that the team is “physical” and “has a great connection with each other.”
“It seems like a cunning offense. They’re competent at what they do, according to McKinstry. “They seem like a better team because the offensive coordinator seems to understand them,” the player said.
McKinstry went on to talk about Michigan quarterback McCarthy and what makes him talented.
“I feel like he can make all the throws. I feel like he can hit the ball into all the windows, tight windows, open windows,” McKinstry said. “I feel like he’s a good player.”
Not one bit of bragging rights material from these two Alabama standouts—just straight-up football analysis. In terms of total defense, Alabama’s defense is ranked No. 18, while in terms of scoring defense, rushing defense, and passing defense, it is ranked No. 17. While Michigan’s offense is strong, the Crimson Tide defense is equally formidable, so Turner is aware that Alabama will have their hands full.
Playing that offense on Monday will be difficult overall, according to Turner.
In the Rose Bowl, Michigan is currently a 1.5-point favorite over Alabama, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.