The job of a journalist is to write a story or in the internet age present a podcast. In the past there was nothing to write. The last time Michigan played Alabama Mac Jones was handing the ball off to Najee Harris, Brian Robinson & and throwing to Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs, and Waddle. Michigan had a great gameplan for the Citrus Bowl game. The gameplan was as futile as discussing the outcome prior to the game. Perhaps the outcome is the same in 2024. The point is there are not 7 1st round draft picks among the Alabama skill positions this year. Okay, I lied. Brian Robinson Jr is a 3rd round pick.
There is something to write about this year. If this guy does not write anything or writes the usual, he is out of a job. How boring if he writes a narrative that this is going to be the same as it was in all other years.
None of us have a problem with Fiutak picking Michigan.
All of us have a problem with what amounts to superficial analysis from a guy whose job is to analyze.
He picks Michigan data points from late in the season, Alabama points (mostly) from early in the season, and pretends he's laid out the "why." It sure seems to me that "A/M held them to 23 yards rushing" is far less relevant than "Alabama exceeded 100 yards rushing on UGA despite not having their best running back in the game," since we're talking about playing at peak time versus peak team.
Michigan may well stifle the Alabama offense. It's just we've seen this movie the last couple of years, and it has seen Michigan surrender 34 and 51 points in two playoff losses. Does that play a prime determinant in who wins?
No.
But it has far more relevance than "hey, way back here Clemson put together a mini-dynasty and so did UGA, so maybe it's Michigan's time."
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