The 8th ranked Michigan Wolverines will be coming into Saturdays game against the Alabama Crimson Tide with something to prove; beating a team that has one two of the past three national championships, from a conference who has won the past six national championships in a row, beating the Crimson Tide would would make a huge statement for the Denard Robinson led Michigan Wolverines.
Michigan isn’t the only team with something to prove Saturday night; Alabama’s defense brings seven new starters to the table tonight, who have to face the quick-footed Denard Robinson, who serves both as a passing and running threat. “If this team is not successful it is not because the character and attitude of this team, it will be because of the lack of experience the team has in certain positions…” said Nick Sababan, Alabama head coach.
So one program wants to prove that its back, and one wants to prove that it isn’t going anywhere.
This will be the first time both teams have met in the regular season. The Michigan Wolverines would love to make a statement for the Big 10, who has been rocked by scandals in recent years, with Ohio State’s bowl ban and Penn State’s sex scandal.
Just 32 hours before the gave, Hoke announced he was suspending Michigan starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint and reserve defensive end Frank Clark. Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to driving while drunk Tuesday night, and Clark was accused of stealing a lap top. Without Toussaint, more pressure will be put on Robinson to use his feet, which won’t be easy against the traditionally tough Alabama defense.
Alabama counters with returning quarterback, and BCS National Championship MVP, A.J. McCarron. Runningback Eddy LAcy also makes his debut after replacing former Heisman finalist, and NFL draft pick Trent Richardson. McCarron and Lacy will have plenty of help however, Alabama returns a seasoned offensive line and deep threat weapons Dee Hart and T.J. Yeldon.
Will the Alabama defense prove strong enought to stop the fast-footed Robinson? Will Michigan prove that they’re back? Will Alabama prove they they haven’t left? We’ll find out tonight when Michigan takes on Alabama, at Alabama at 8PM.
The General
The Sports Guys 