This Alabama-Michigan showdown in the Rose Bowl semifinal is a study in contrasts.

They would appear, at least to the naked eye, to be on opposite ends of the college football spectrum in terms of style. They just come from different worlds with Alabama in the high-speed SEC and Michigan from the powerful Big Ten.

So when the Wolverines flip on the game film, which of their opponents resemble the Crimson Tide?

Multiple Michigan players gave a variety of answers when asked this week in Los Angeles in the lead-up to Monday’s game in Pasadena.

Linebacker Barrett said he sees a little of Maryland quarterback (and Alabama transfer) Taulia Tagovailoa when watching Jalen Milroe.

“I see their offense kind of as a mix of Ohio State and Penn State,” Barrett said. “That’s kind of how I viewed it there. But like I said, they’re their own team. Everybody is going to come out different and attack us differently. They had this month to prepare just like we have, and we could probably come out and see something totally different. So just got to stay on our toes and be ready.”

Penn State was also mentioned by defensive lineman Mason Graham.

Why?

“I just see that they want to run the ball downhill,” Graham said, “and I feel like they’re going to try and test us there early on in the game maybe, so it’ll be a good challenge for us.”

Graham also sees the Taulia Tagovailoa comparison to Milroe.

“We kind of had like a similar prep for him,” Graham said. “He was a good athlete, and he could extend plays, as well. I would say him probably.”

Defensively, the Nittany Lions got another mention when tight end Colston Loveland responded.

“They’re their own team,” he said. “Obviously, good defense, great team, well-coached. But I would say just as far as like maybe athletes and how they move around, maybe Penn State. But like I said, they’re their own team. But excited to get out there.”

Receiver Roman Wilson opted out of naming a comp for the Tide.

“They’re a team in their own category. They’re very good,” he said. “We don’t see too many teams who have two very good corners on their team then a third guy who comes off the bench who is also very good. Then two physical safeties and very good up front. We don’t really see that every day. I just think they’re very good.”

And offensive lineman Trevor Keegan went with the Wolverines themselves.

“Our team. Our team, for sure,” he said. “We have very similar traits, very similar, well coached. When you see our film, every guy is in the right position and they have athletes all over the field and we’re excited for the challenge. But I really do see a lot of our team in their team. Very similar defenses.”

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