On December 2, the football team from Michigan beat Iowa in the Big Ten championship game to win their third consecutive conference championship. The Wolverines then learned that they would play Alabama football in the College Football Playoffs at the Rose Bowl and that they would have around a month to prepare for the match. Given that Michigan had a number of injured players at the close of the regular season, the Wolverines will benefit greatly from having a month to recover.
Before the Rose Bowl, many Michigan football players had returned to full strength, but that couldn’t be the case for everyone. Due to injuries sustained this season, linebacker Junior Colton, one of the top defenders for the Wolverines, has been wearing casts on both hands. It appears like he will continue to do so in the Rose Bowl.
Junior Colson stated, “I feel great, even though I was banged up in last year’s CFP,” according to a Blue By Ninety report. “You will always have some minor injuries; that’s simply the nature of game, don’t you think? You’re never really recovered till it’s summer. I thus feel fantastic. My hands are currently in casts, so I think they will be in them for a while.
The good news for Michigan is that Colson’s performance hasn’t been adversely affected by the casts. He has worn them throughout previous games and continues to be quite successful.
“Against Ohio State, I believe he had 11 tackles and a TFL,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter stated. The thing I like about Junior (Colson) is his desire to give up everything and risk everything for his teammates, Michigan, and our program. I believe he has played. He really did get the title of hardest player. I believe that despite his incredible athleticism, size, and speed, he has maintained his reputation as a superb tackler.
Although Colson may find it challenging to intercept a pass if it is thrown to him, his tackling ability hasn’t decreased in the slightest after the casts were placed on. Against the Crimson Tide, he will have to cope with them once more. Hopefully, for Michigan, it won’t affect his performance in any way.
The Rose Bowl matchup between Alabama and Michigan is anticipated to be exciting. The game is scheduled for New Year’s Day at 5:00 ET. The victor of the match advances to the national championship game, where they will face either Washington or Texas.
