Alabama football’s Rose Bowl date with Michigan is drawing near. The Crimson Tide and Wolverines are set to go at it in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Jan. 1, with a national championship appearance against either Texas or Washington on the line.

Michigan enters the game with a stout defense, ranking No. 2 in FBS behind just Penn State. Before Alabama’s offense takes on the tough challenge, here are three players who could play a key role for the Crimson Tide.

Jalen Milroe

It’s always going to be the quarterback. Milroe’s redemption story this season has been well-documented, from struggling against Texas and sitting against South Florida to finishing sixth in Heisman voting.

Milroe makes things difficult for any defense. The Alabama offense has been custom-made to his strengths, especially his elite arm talent that can take the top off and generate explosive plays for the Crimson Tide.

He’s also showcased top-level speed and rushing ability, driving the opposition crazy when he takes off for a first down. Against an excellent Michigan defense, the Tide needs Milroe playing to his full capacity.

Milroe has looked better and better each game for Alabama. Against the nation’s No. 1 team in the Rose Bowl, UA will need that trend to continue.

Isaiah Bond

A key element of Alabama’s offense this season has been the deep ball. Milroe has the arm to make any throw down the field, and his wideouts have largely been able to make the plays.

Bond is one of several speedy wide receivers for the Crimson Tide this season. Jermaine Burton is often the deep threat opposing teams key on, but Bond also offers elite speed and the ability to run under Milroe’s passes.

He’s best known for his huge catch on the Gravedigger play on fourth-and-goal from the 31-yard line that saved Alabama’s season in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. But Bond is a serious deep threat any time he’s on the field, and if he can come up big in the CFP semifinal, it would be a major boost to the Crimson Tide’s offense.

Seth McLaughlin

Alabama’s center has had various struggles throughout the season. He had major issues with snaps early on, a problem that reared its head again in the Auburn game, when a snap before Milroe was ready helped lead to UA facing the fourth-and-31 late.

Against Georgia in the SEC title game, McLaughlin missed some blocks as well, which hurt Alabama’s offense. That can’t happen against the Wolverines.

McLaughlin is fully capable of playing excellent football up front. He’ll need a stellar performance in the Rose Bowl to help Milroe and company run the offense effectively.

Michigan’s defense is one of the top units in college football. Alabama’s offensive line has given up far too many sacks this season, though the problem has improved in recent games.

The positive trend will need to continue against the Wolverines. The veteran leader in the middle of the line will have to play a major role if that is to happen.