While doing research for the Sugar Bowl matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Washington Huskies, I came across some interesting trends for Rose Bowl game featuring the Michigan Wolverines and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Below is sort of a viewing guide to for the other College Football Playoff semifinal this year.
The usuals
Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy has a 74.2 percent completion rate on the season, tallying 19 touchdowns, four interceptions, and 18 sacks. Michigan uses play action in 22.4 percent of their passing dropbacks and McCarthy’s performance drops off. While it grants him access to more big-time throws on a higher depth of target (11.