The Alabama Crimson Tide may have qualified for the playoffs but now they will have to face the No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl. This year the Michigan Wolverines have gone undefeated in the regular season like the last two seasons and will make their third straight playoff appearance this season.
Bama may have secured the playoffs seat, but they are the underdog in this matchup. Several football experts and analysts have picked Michigan to win the series because many key players of Alabama are not playing due to getting transferred or injured. Let’s have a closer look.
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Bama Shorthanded: 5 Key Outs Rock the Rose Bowl vs. Michigan
#1. Ja’Corey Brooks
Brooks has established a name for himself over his three seasons at Alabama. In recent years, he has been the main wide receiver option for the program.
However, Brook’s engagement with the Crimson Tide has decreased in 2023 causing him to join the transfer portal. As a freshman and sophomore, Brooks used to get a significant amount of playing time but now he won’t be present for the Rose Bowl.
#2. Thaiu Jones-Bell
Thaiu’s participation on the Alabama football team has been limited, having appeared in only a few games throughout three seasons. He has featured in only 11 games since his freshman year in 2020.
Unfortunately, the Crimson Tide chose not to use him this season, prompting his decision to enter the transfer portal. As a result, he will not be on the team for the upcoming Rose Bowl against Michigan.
#3. Isaiah Hastings
Isaiah’s time at Alabama deviated from the expected direction. When he first arrived in Tuscaloosa as a freshman in 2022, the defensive lineman had appeared in just one game for the Crimson Tide.
Despite hopes for higher involvement this season, Hastings could not contribute to the team due to unforeseen circumstances. As a result, he has begun the transfer process, and will not be on the team for the upcoming Rose Bowl.
#4. Anquin Barnes Jr.
Anquin arrived at Alabama as a highly regarded recruit in 2021. However, the defensive lineman was inactive for the first two seasons of his career with the team.
Barnes played in a mere two games for the Crimson Tide this season, which was insufficient to ensure his continued stay in Bama. He will be absent from the lineup for the upcoming Rose Bowl due to his decision to transfer.
#5. Tyler Buchner
Buchner transferred from Notre Dame to Alabama for the 2022 college football season, following offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to Tuscaloosa.
Despite competing for the starting quarterback position with the Crimson Tide before the season, Buchner lost the spot to Jalen Milroe. He only made one start during the season and will not be in the lineup for the upcoming Rose Bowl after re-entering the transfer portal.
Conclusion
Although Alabama looks like the underdog in this series, watching who gets to taste the defeat and who touches the triumph will be interesting. Even though the chances look dim for the Crimson Tide, there’s still a possibility. Stay tuned with us for more updates and news about your favorite sports and players.
