Rose Bowl press conference indicate that Michigan is not intimidated by Alabama or the SEC.

Junior Colson, the Michigan linebacker, addresses the media at a press conference on Thursday, December 28, 2023, in Los Angeles. Michigan is slated to compete against Alabama on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl, which serves as a semifinal in the College Football Playoff.

In Los Angeles, the anticipation is building for the upcoming Rose Bowl national semifinal clash between top-ranked Michigan and fourth-ranked Alabama on Monday. Both teams are currently in California, and they conducted their initial official bowl news conferences on Thursday. At the Sheraton Grand in Los Angeles, Michigan’s defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, along with several defensive players, addressed reporters. Here are the key highlights from Thursday’s interviews.

Minter discusses the defensive approach against Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, emphasizing the need for an “11-on-1 mentality.” He highlights Milroe’s versatility, noting his capability to both throw deep passes and make quick dumps to speedy receivers, as well as his running ability. Minter stresses the importance of maintaining rush lanes and integrity while allowing players to play fast. He expresses confidence in the team’s ability to face the challenge posed by Milroe, who finished sixth in Heisman voting with impressive passing and rushing statistics.

Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett addresses the perception that the team is fearful of facing Alabama in the Rose Bowl, clarifying that the initial reaction captured in a viral video was more about the surprise of not seeing an undefeated Power Five team selected for the playoff. Barrett dismisses the notion of fear, emphasizing that the team expected tough competition and was more taken aback by the absence of other undefeated teams. He acknowledges the inevitability of opinions and discussions but emphasizes that the team doesn’t let external perceptions affect their mindset.

Additionally, Barrett mentions that Coach Jim Harbaugh doesn’t hold grudges but has a strong memory of past events. The team collectively adopts a similar approach, remembering past comments and actions without holding grudges. This mindset serves as motivation and a source of focus for the team.

Michigan linebacker Junior Colson emphasizes the team’s collective mindset, stating that while they don’t hold grudges, they remember past experiences. He dismisses the notion of carrying a chip on their shoulders but expresses confidence in their abilities and goals. Colson underscores the importance of trust among teammates, following the coaches’ preparation, and sharing a common mentality, despite facing adversity and doubt. The team dealt with challenges, including the absence of head coach Jim Harbaugh for six games and a sign-stealing scandal, yet they remain united in their pursuit of success.

In a separate quote, a coach reflects on the team’s performance and the lessons learned from losses. He acknowledges mistakes in calls and gameplay, emphasizing the importance of learning from adversity to foster growth. The coach values the players’ commitment to improvement, highlighting their resilience and dedication to evolving as a team. The experience, while initially disappointing, is seen as an opportunity for learning and development.

In reference to learning from the previous year’s loss to TCU in the semifinals, Minter discusses the team’s growth, emphasizing Michigan’s impressive defensive rankings in 2023, holding the top position in scoring defense and the second spot in total defense.

Barrett shares his lighthearted take on what his game-day attire would be if he were a coach, opting for a more casual and laid-back look, including slacks, a button-down shirt, and possibly a hat, deviating from Coach Harbaugh’s trademark khakis.

Moore highlights the overall quality of Alabama as a team, emphasizing their notable speed. He downplays the notion of facing a vastly different team, stating that every high-level team they’ve encountered possesses comparable speed. Moore underscores the need to effectively stop all offensive threats posed by Alabama.

Regarding Coach Harbaugh’s communication style, it’s mentioned that he maintains honesty with the team, openly sharing his thoughts and keeping players informed, whether in team meetings or throughout the year.

Colson expresses trust and belief in Coach Harbaugh, characterizing him as a man of his word. He dismisses rumors about Harbaugh potentially returning to the NFL, stating that such speculations do not affect the team. Colson highlights the coach’s transparent communication style, assuring that Harbaugh will provide answers directly to the team rather than them learning through media reports. The linebacker underscores the team’s confidence in Harbaugh’s integrity and straightforward approach to addressing any such matters.