Jim Harbaugh And Michigan Are”excited”  For The Challenge Alabama Presents

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Michigan is ready for the challenge the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide presents.

For the first time ever, Michigan enters the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed. But the award for earning the top seed in the playoff is the three-time CFP-winning Alabama Crimson Tide.

While Alabama received a playoff bid — after knocking off No. 1 Georgia in the SEC title game — there was no short of controversy revolving around the selection. The CFP committee left undefeated and ACC champion Florida State out of the playoff.

There was a video that surfaced showing the reaction of the Michigan football team who was watching the selection show from a hotel in Indianapolis. At first in the video, it appeared to shock some people when Alabama’s name was called and not Florida State’s.

Rival fans went to social media and said Michigan was worried about facing the Tide, but Jim Harbaugh says his team is excited about the challenge. Harbaugh said the matchup between the Wolverines and Alabama is iconic — plus it’s in the Rose Bowl.

“No, we’re excited to face them,” Harbaugh said during a conference call on Sunday. “It’s iconic. It’s Alabama. It’s Roll Tide. It’s doesn’t get any better, to be playing in the Rose Bowl, also the – just going to appreciate the tradition of the Rose Bowl, playing a great team like Alabama. I mean, it always has meaning.”

“What we did was special. Not only yesterday but the entire season, the whole group that we have. We’re thrilled. We’re thrilled to be where we’re at. We’re thrilled to be playing Alabama, thrilled to be playing in the Rose Bowl because it’s going to be competition. That’s what this team lives for.”

When you think about Alabama, it’s a completely different team than what the Tide were earlier in the season. And it all starts with Alabama’s quarterback Jalen Milroe. Milroe started the season but was benched after so-so performances before earning his job back.

Alabama used Milroe more as a runner early on and critics weren’t impressed by his throwing ability. But as the season has progressed, Milroe isn’t just a good running quarterback — he can beat you with his arm.

Coach Harbaugh noted that Milroe is playing at an elite level and just how much Milroe has improved throughout the season. Harbaugh shared that he believes J.J. McCarthy and Milroe are similar quarterbacks — both are elite.

“Yeah, he’s playing at an elite level, and you can see the improvement throughout the season,” Harbaugh said. “Just really seems like he hit an inflection point there right before the halfway mark. Got also a special set of athletic skills.”

“But as far as like timing, decision-making, accuracy, he’s playing really well within the system. They’ve designed some great stuff for him.”