Santana Moss once remarked, “Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games,” and no one has ever summed it up better. In the biggest moments of the season, an anonymous role player frequently steps up to sway the game, but every team in the College Football Playoff is depending on its stars to perform on the grandest stage in the sport.
Recall the semifinal match from last year. Emari Demercado, TCU’s backup running back, scorched the Wolverines for 150 yards (8.8 yards per carry) and one touchdown after starter Kendre Miller was forced out due to injury. Who led the Bulldogs past Ohio State in the Georgia game? Wide receiver Arian Smith, who concluded the previous season with 198 yards total, provided depth by hauling in three passes for 129 yards and one touchdown.
1. Alex Orji, the quarterback
As a change-of-pace wildcat quarterback, backup quarterback Alex Orji has run the ball four times for 31 yards during the past two games. The 6-foot-3, 236-pound player’s exceptional physical skills as well as the persistent ailments of starting J.J. McCarthy, whose mobility has been restricted in the latter month of the season, helped carve out this role for the young sophomore.
Orji should see some touches in this game even if McCarthy is fully healthy, and don’t be shocked if offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore sets up a pass to fool the defense.
2. Opportunistic Tackle Benny Rayshaun
This season, Michigan’s defensive tackle rotation has been one of its best assets. Cam Goode and Rayshaun Benny’s influence and dependability allow standouts Mason Graham, Kris Jenkins, and Kenneth Grant to remain relevant. This combination could be the difference that swings the game against Alabama, but it will also be essential for success in the closing minutes of the game.
Benny has always had an influence on important games. His pressure on C.J. Stroud against Ohio State in 2022 resulted in an erroneous throw that was intercepted. And it was his forced fumble against Penn State this season that virtually put a stop to the Nittany Lions’ ambitions to continue running the quarterback. Is Benny going to be the one to make Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe make a costly error?
3. Giovanni El-Hadi, the guard
The outcome of the Penn State game was determined by Michigan’s enormous roster, which might make a difference versus the Tide. But now that All-American guard Zak Zinter is hurt, the enormous personnel grouping will appear differently.
Myles Hinton and Trente Jones were the additional offensive lineman against the Nittany Lions. However, with Jones starting at right tackle now, Giovanni El-Hadi, the backup left guard, will likely have to play the job.
Because Trevor Keegan has been in good health, El-Hadi has not been used as much as he was last year, but the junior is not lacking in experience. El-Hadi has currently played in 28 games for the Wolverines, 19 of which have been on the offensive line, and he has three career starts going into the Rose Bowl. El-Hadi will play a significant role if Michigan’s unusual jumbo package proves effective versus Alabama.
