How Alabama’s stats compare to Michigan ahead of CFP Semifinal at Rose Bowl
Alabama football is back in the College Football Playoff. With an 11-game winning streak and SEC Championship over Georgia, Alabama earned a Jan. 1, 2024, date against No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Anticipation is building with two historic programs meeting on an iconic stage. As each coaching staff begins to review each team’s film, let’s take a look at the statistical comparisons between the Crimson Tide and Wolverines.
Scoring offense
1. LSU 46.4 points per game
14. Michigan 36.7
18. Alabama 35.1
Rushing offense
1. Liberty 302.9 yards per game
48. Alabama 172.7
59. Michigan 161.8
Wolverines senior Blake Corum has 1,028 yards and 24 touchdowns. Alabama’s Jase McClellan, who was injured and unavailable in the SEC Championship, leads the Tide with 825 yards.
Passing offense
1. Washington 343.8 yards per game
60. Alabama 228.5
73. Michigan 218.8
J.J. McCarthy has been one of the most effective quarterbacks in the country, completing 74.2% of his passes. Jalen Milroe has thrown for 23 scores while rushing for 12 more.
Scoring defense
1. Michigan 9.46 points per game
17. Alabama 18.38
Maryland (24 points) and Ohio State (24) are the only teams to produce more than 20 points against Michigan. The Tide has conceded more than 30 points just once in its loss to Texas (34).
Rushing defense
1. UCLA 69.6 yards per game
5. Michigan 86.6
31. Alabama 124.5
Passing defense
1. Ohio State 147.4 yards per game
2. Michigan 152.6
23. Alabama 188.8
Time of possession
1. Utah 34 minutes per game
11. Michigan 32
50. Alabama 30
Turnover margin
1. Penn State +18
2. Michigan +17
19. Alabama +8
McCarthy has thrown four interceptions, while Milro has thrown six. Defensively, Terrion Arnold has five interceptions and Chris Braswell has three fumble recoveries. UM defensive back Mike Sainristil has a team-high four interceptions.
Penalties
1. Michigan 2.9 per game
72. Alabama 6.0
3rd down offense
1. LSU 56.7% conversion rate
T-12. Alabama 46.7%
T-12. Michigan 46.7%
3rd down defense
1. Georgia 26.4% conversion rate
15. Michigan 30.8%
24. Alabama 33.9%
4th down offense
1. Alabama 83.3% conversion rate
5. Michigan 78.9%
The Tide has converted five of six fourth-down attempts, including a now-famous 4th-and-31 Iron Bowl throw and a key pickup in the SEC Championship. Michigan is 15-of-19 on fourth-down tries.
4th down defense
1. Western Michigan 20% conversion rate
7. Michigan 32.1%
10. Alabama 36%
Team Sacks
1. Penn State 48
T-8. Alabama 38
T-12. Michigan 33
UA’s Dallas Turner was named conference defensive player of the year with 10 sacks. Fellow Floridian Jaylen Harrell leads the Wolverines with 7.5.
Sacks allowed
1. Oregon 5
29. Michigan 18
114. Alabama 43
Thirty-seven of Alabama’s 43 sacks allowed came from September through October. It had allowed two in November before Milroe was sacked four times against Georgia.
Net punting
1. Miami (Ohio) 44.09 yards per punt
12. Alabama 41.9
19. Michigan 41.5
Caleb Downs overtook Kool-Aid McKinstry as Alabama’s lead returner in the Iron Bowl and SEC title game.
Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].