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Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback, presents a multifaceted challenge for the Wolverines, but Mike Elston, the defensive line coach at Michigan, is optimistic his team is prepared.
The formidable Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line will present Michigan’s defensive line with its toughest test to date in the Rose Bowl, but D-line coach Mike Elston is optimistic his team is prepared to do their part.
“They have a really big offensive line, they can move people,” Elston stated. “It’s a very talented O-line, very well-coached and so they create a great challenge for us and our guys are excited about it.”
After something of a slow start offensively this season, the Crimson Tide have found their stride on that side of the ball due to their improvement up front and the development of dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe.
“They’ve settled in at the quarterback and made some of the greatest strides in terms of his development,” Elston noted. “[Alabama offensive coordinator] Tommy Rees has done a phenomenal job with him. They’ve really skyrocketed their offense now so that’s what makes them such a challenge.”
As the first line of defense, Elston’s unit is charged with getting after Milroe, who presents a unique and difficult task with his ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs. It will take a total effort from Michigan’s defense to hold the Crimson Tide’s athletic signal-caller in check.
“That’s a huge role that we have, but it’s everybody’s role really — the whole defense,” Elston said. “I think that our ability to contain him is going to be a huge part of the game. He’s a very talented runner, a very talented athlete.”
To stop Alabama’s quarterback from picking them apart through the air, the Wolverines will need to put pressure on Milroe, who is perhaps even more dangerous if he escapes the pocket. How can Michigan maintain control while still allowing Milroe to sense their presence?
Elston remarked, “That’s hard, really hard.” “Again, because of their exceptional talent up front at the offensive line, in addition to his exceptional passing and running abilities.
“We want to be aggressive, but if you’re too aggressive and he gets out then it can be an explosive play. So, you have to try to find that balance. You don’t want to play scared, you don’t want to be afraid to let him out, otherwise you’re not getting any pressure on him at all and he’s just sitting back there. Teams that have done that, he’s punished them. He’s a really good quarterback, a really good passer, so we’re trying to find that great blend of that.”
