The new year is here and so is an opportunity for Alabama football. The Crimson Tide face Michigan at 4 p.m. CT Monday in the College Football Playoff’s Rose Bowl semifinal.

The No. 1 Wolverines are undefeated and coming off a Big Ten championship game win over Iowa. No. 4 Alabama dropped its Week 2 matchup with Texas, but hasn’t lost since, upsetting Georgia in the SEC title game before controversially leapfrogging Florida State into the CFP.

The winner of the Rose Bowl will face the winner of Texas and Washington’s Sugar Bowl matchup in the national championship. Alabama-Michigan will be aired on ESPN.

Before the game begins, here are three questions for the Crimson Tide.

Will Alabama’s offensive line hold up?

Alabama’s offensive line struggled throughout the early part of the season. Jalen Milroe spent much of his time running for his life, because the unit had major pass blocking issues.

Michigan’s defense is elite, ranked No.2 in overall defense.

Milroe might well be the most dangerous player in the game, given his combination of arm talent and rushing ability. But he’ll need time if he’s going to be at his best.

The offensive line has improved throughout the season and performed well enough in the SEC championship game to help the Tide take down Georgia. It will need to continue that trend if Alabama is to have a chance to take down a top-ranked team for the second game in a row.

Can the Tide take the top off Michigan?

When Michigan players were pointing to what’s dangerous about Milroe, they often pivoted away from his rushing talent. It’s well-known how athletic the redshirt sophomore is, but the Wolverines seemed most worried about his ability to push the ball downfield.

Alabama has a host of speedy receivers, including Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond. There are other deep threats as well, like fellow wideout Malik Benson and tight end Amari Niblack.

Michigan’s defense is good, but it’s possible that the Crimson Tide will simply be able to go over the top of it. If that’s the case, it could be a long afternoon for the Wolverines.

Can UA stop Blake Corum?

Alabama’s run defense hasn’t always been a strength this season. The Iron Bowl was at Auburn and should therefore be taken with a grain of salt, but the Tigers were able to run on the Tide, taking the game down to the wire before UA’s 4th-and-31 miracle to win it.

Michigan’s running game has the potential to give the Crimson Tide fits. Even with a banged-up offensive line, running back Blake Corum is one of the best players in college football.

Corum finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting this year. He’s rushed for 1,028 yards, and a whopping 28 touchdowns so far this season.

Michigan is a more balanced offensive attack then Alabama has faced for much of its SEC schedule. If the Tide can stop Corum, it bodes well for its chances in the Rose Bowl.