The Michigan football team is preparing for their third consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff. On New Year’s Day, the Wolverines will face Alabama in the Rose Bowl semifinals. One significant hurdle for Michigan will be stopping Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s arm and legs, and the Wolverines are working hard to prepare for the talented standout.
Fortunately for Michigan football, they have a backup quarterback who is similar in size to Jalen Milroe and is mobile. Alex Orji, a sophomore, is the backup quarterback. Orji has been in a couple of games recently and is a serious threat with his legs. He’s been a useful asset for the Wolverines in terms of preparing for Milroe’s rushing ability.
“(Alex Orji) is doing a great job on scout team; you know, that’s the closest player that we’ve got to (Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe),” Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant told Blue By Ninety. “I mean, they’re probably identical — completely identical.” But he did an excellent job.”
Kenneth Grant also mentioned Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa as the most Milroe-like QB the defense has faced this season. Michigan appears to have a similar defense strategy for Milroe.
“That quarterback from Maryland, Taulia — that’s pretty much (the type) of game that we’re looking to play,” he said.
Tagovailoa has given the Wolverines more trouble than any other quarterback they have faced this season, so they will need to be ready to stop Milroe. Grant understands that it would be difficult, but he also understands what Michigan must do to succeed.\
“We’ve got to tackle (Milroe) like he’s a running back,” Grant said. “I mean, he invites contact, for sure, so we just have to tackle him like we tackle everybody else.”
It’s undoubtedly a privilege for Michigan to have a player like Orji on the scout team who resembles Milroe so much. It appears to have come in helpful throughout their preparation. Don’t be surprised if Orji appears in the game as well. He has appeared in both of Michigan’s last two games, and he had a big run in the big win over Ohio State.
The Rose Bowl matchup between Michigan and Alabama will take place on New Year’s Day at 5:00 p.m. ET. The game will be played in Pasadena, California, and will be broadcast on ESPN. The Wolverines are presently favored by two points, and the winner will advance to the NCAA Tournament.
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