Jim Harbaugh relishes challenge of defending Jalen Milroe in Rose Bowl

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe is the best, most-talented quarterback that Michigan has faced this season. Now, in order to hold him in check in The Rose Bowl, Jim Harbaugh says it’s going to take execution from their entire defense as a unit.

Harbaugh spoke highly of Milroe and his skillset during his appearance at Media Day in Pasadena this weekend. His ability as a dual-threat weapon will create a scenario where every Wolverine defender will have to bring their best to stop No. 4 for the Crimson Tide.

“Yeah, I think he’s incredible,” said Harbaugh. “He is their best thrower, he’s their best runner. It’s going to take all 11 on defense to stop him in particular.”

However, one great quarterback does not an offense make. As Harbaugh continued, he noted several other of their offensive pieces that should make this playoff semifinal a challenge for the Michigan defense.

“It’s a great team of receivers. The offensive line is the best offensive line that we’ve played. I think they average about 350 across the board,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a very talented group.”

The surge from Milroe as the season has gone on has proven him to be on the sport’s best quarterbacks. He has taken the lead as Alabama’s QB1 and, as such, seen his play explode with nearly 3,200 total yards and 35 overall touchdowns in 2023.

Milroe will pose a unique challenge to Michigan that they didn’t come across during their schedule this fall. On the flip side, though, Harbaugh expects the Wolverines to confront the Tide in ways they haven’t seen either which, to him, should make for quite the game between the two.

“We’re going to have to deal with them but they’re going to have to deal with us,” said Harbaugh. “I think it’s going to be one heck of a matchup.”

Paul Finebaum stresses importance of Milroe to Alabama

Paul Finebaum stressed how crucial Jalen Milroe was to Alabama’s success this season.

According to Finebaum, everything started clicking with Milroe under OC Tommy Rees.

“After three weeks, a lot of people were ready to send Tommy Rees back to Notre Dame where he used to be the offensive coordinator,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter. “But he finally got it right by chance, by accident, or by pure luck when Jalen Milroe got pulled after the second game of the season against Texas.”

“By the time he came back for the fourth game against Ole Miss, he was a completely different quarterback. He has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country down the stretch, getting in the Heisman race at the last minute after that miracle against Auburn. And, of course, the win over Georgia,” said Finebaum. “If Alabama is to advance to Houston a week from Monday night? Jalen Milroe has to play at the same level.”

The post Jim Harbaugh relishes challenge of defending Jalen Milroe in Rose Bowl appeared first on On3.