A talented player has appeared in 28 games for Michigan, is expected to be a key player in the Rose Bowl………..

Five non-starters who could potentially win the Rose Bowl for Michigan are listed.

Big_Ten_cover.webpe players make big-time plays in big-time games. In the College Football Playoff, teams often rely on their stars to be stars on the biggest stage, but in the biggest moments of the season, an unsung role player often steps up to swing the game. For example, in last

year’s semifinal, backup Emari Demercado torched TCU for 150 yards and one touchdown, while depth-providing wide receiver Arian Smith helped lead Georgia over Ohio State. This year, five non-starters could have impact

Michigan’s backup quarterback, Alex Orji, has carried the ball four times for 31 yards in the last two games due to the lingering injuries of starter J.J. McCarthy and his physical talents. Despite McCarthy’s 100% mobility, Orji is expected to have a few touches in this game, and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore may dial up a pass to catch the defense off guard. Michigan’s defensive tackle rotation, led by Rayshaun Benny and Cam Goode, has been a strength this season. Benny and Goode are expected to be critical to late-game success and could be the pairing that swings the game against Alabama.

Benny, a key player in Michigan’s defense, has made significant contributions to big games. His forced fumble against Penn State and errant throw against Ohio State in 2022 and 2021 could have been the difference between Michigan and Alabama. Guard Giovanni El-Hadi, who has appeared in 28 games for Michigan, is expected to be a key player in the Rose Bowl. El-Hadi has been used less this year due to Trevor Keegan’s sustained health, but his experience and three career starts make him a valuable asset.

Edge Josaiah Stewart, a talented speed rusher, will have an opportunity to make several plays against true freshman left tackle Kadyn Proctor. Proctor, at 6-foot-7, 360 pounds, is the weakest link of the entire Alabama offense due to his slow feet and inexperience. Stewart, one of the best pure speed rushers, will have his hands full before and after the snap on every play.

Linebacker Ernest Hausmann will play a crucial role in Michigan’s victory against Alabama. Junior Colson and Michael Barrett are experienced linebackers, but sophomore Hausmann could be the difference for this position group. Misalignments or missed assignments could be the difference in a tackle for loss or a touchdown against Alabama’s boom-or-bust offense. Alabama’s offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will test Hausmann early, and his response could be a difference-maker in the Rose Bowl.