This is an opinion column.

The question was simple and seemed reasonable.

Is Michigan ready? It was the headline of my pregame column that ran Monday ahead of an ultimately thrilling Rose Bowl semifinal.

The answer: Yes.

The Wolverines, it turned out, were up to the challenge. It wasn’t the most definitive or emphatic statement given the fact it had one foot in the grave before sending Alabama to its, 27-20 in Monday’s Rose Bowl.

But I’m a columnist of honor and when I’m wrong, I’m wrong.

Hat in hand, I underestimated Michigan. Let’s go point by point.

First, citing Jim Harbaugh’s 1-6 record in bowl games was a strong insinuation about a lack of quality preparation. It wouldn’t be unfair to say the last two semifinals could be used as evidence — more so last year’s loss to TCU than the 2021 loss to Georgia.

In reality, Michigan came out with a well-conceived game plan both on offense and defense. The Wolverine defense was especially effective against the Alabama front, sacking Jalen Milroe six times. At one point in the first half, Michigan was outgaining the Tide 199-39 as JJ McCarthy’s touchdown pass total (2) equaled Milroe’s pass attempt total.

Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker explained the ways Michigan differed from the tape they watched.

“A lot of stunts,” Booker said. “They brought it from different directions, different ways. They brought different people. We just need to be better with it.”

Perhaps the best example came in the second quarter when Alabama faced a third-and-nine from deep inside its own territory. Michigan was in a zone defense, the least optimal for a QB run, yet that’s what Milroe did. It went for no gain. Punt. Alabama was spiraling and Michigan gets the credit for that.

Point 2: Michigan had no experience in close games. How would they respond?

Turns out, well.

But not without hiccups. Alabama became the first Wolverine opponent of the season to take a second-half lead. After getting outplayed for most of the first half, it looked like Alabama had control of this one for most of the fourth quarter.

Michigan managed just 23 third-quarter yards and netted a measly 21 in the fourth before getting the ball back down 20-13 with 4:41 to play. The 8-play, 75-yard march to tie the game was what maize and blue legends are made of. A fourth-and-two pass for 35 yards to Blake Corum (reduced to 27 because of a down-field blocking penalty) was the season saver. It was gut check time and Michigan not only passed but used it to vault past the Tide.

After Alabama failed to respond in regulation, overtime felt like the formality it became.

Point 3: Does Michigan have the athleticism to play with the track-speed SEC?

Yes.

Look no further than Tyler Morris’ 38-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. He caught the pass across the middle and had the explosive speed to hit the corner and turn it up for the Wolverines’ second score.

There were times when Michigan didn’t have the east-west speed to keep up with Alabama’s defense but that clearly wasn’t an issue on the final few drives.

Point 4: The burden of being the villain will be heavy.

Apparently not.

They played like a trapped animal — a mindset that doesn’t always work but did this time. Michigan did their own version of LANK and proved those naysayers, myself included, wrong.

The final few lines from Monday’s column were blunt and to the point.

They’re not as athletic as Alabama and will have all the pressure.

Ready or not, here they come.

Wrong.

Didn’t matter.

Michigan was ready. And they won.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.