Urban Meyer: ‘Alabama has all the momentum’ ahead of CFP Semifinal matchup vs. Michigan
Just under a month will separate Alabama and Michigan from their previous games. One is off an upset win in the SEC Championship, while the other took care of business in Indianapolis with the Big Ten Championship. Both feel as if momentum is on their side heading into the Rose Bowl.
If you were to ask Urban Meyer, he believes nobody is riding higher at the moment than Alabama. The last two games have been a roller coaster of emotions, dating back to an Iron Bowl on the Plains against Auburn. 4th and 31 kept the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff hopes alive, even if Meyer is frustrated with how Auburn handled the final play.
“Alabama has got all the momentum in the world,” Meyer said. “But you do forget that Auburn gave up a [31-yard] pass on the last play of the game. The world is a lot different now because of that defensive back. I mean, just tackle the receiver because the game is over.”
Add in a win against Georgia in Atlanta — a team who was in the midst of a historic winning streak — Alabama has to feel pretty good about themselves.
Michigan has done well for itself in the same timeframe, though. A win against Ohio State is always welcomed, especially with head coach Jim Harbaugh not on the sidelines. However, he was back the following week when the Wolverines were able to roll through Iowa and earn the No. 1 seed in the CFP.
“Alabama has got a lot of momentum but so do the Wolverines,” Meyer said. “They went through a coaching suspension, which is still hard to fathom. They went and they beat Ohio State. It pains me to say that but they beat Ohio State in Ann Arbor and played very well that day.
“And then the Big Ten Championship, I was at the game, and they didn’t look on point. I don’t want to take anything away from Iowa but Iowa’s defense wasn’t dominant in that game.”
Meyer did not want to give out a prediction for the Rose Bowl but does believe both teams will be well prepared. After all, Harbaugh and Nick Saban are two of the best in college football. With plenty of time to prepare for the matchup, we should be in for an instant classic from the Grandaddy of Them All.
“These teams will be ready to go,” Meyer said. “They’ll be healthy, they’ll be fresh. They’re two well-coached teams. I’m looking forward to watching it.”