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Michigan says it is on ‘same page’ in regard to players potentially sitting out bowl game against Alabama
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Each year, 842 bowl games take place in college football.
OK, that’s an exaggeration. A slight one. But, it is cool for the players, coaches and fans of that program — no matter the bowl it is playing in. However, the idea of playing in bowl games for certain players has shifted over the years.
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There never used to be a question as to whether or not a player would participate in his team’s bowl game that season. They just played. Now?
It’s different. Now, if you can potentially get drafted highly in the upcoming NFL Draft and millions of dollars are on the line, does playing in the (insert your random bowl name here) game really mean anything?
For some, it does. Last year, for Michigan, certain Wolverine players didn’t play in the Peach Bowl. This year? Against Alabama in the Citrus Bowl?
It sounds like everybody is playing:
“I don’t think anybody’s going to sit out,” said junior defensive end Kwity Paye. “I feel like we should end the season strong. I feel like a lot of our teammates didn’t end the season strong, and I feel like this is a good way to do that.”
Michigan guard Ben Bredeson talked about the notion of potentially sitting out as well:
“I just haven’t heard anything about it,” Bredeson said. “There’s really been nothing to address. I think everybody’s on the same page. Any chance you get to play for Michigan — everybody’s going to do it.”
Shea Patterson was pretty honest with his take:
“Hopefully nobody’s sitting out,” he said. “I already talked to Josh Metellus, and we’re playing. I don’t think anybody has any room to sit out this game. I think, if anything, it’s an opportunity for the seniors. If they’re thinking about sitting out, it would only hurt them.”
It sounds like Michigan is ready to take on Alabama to close the season.
Those two teams meet at 1 p.m. ET on Jan. 1, 2020 in the Citrus Bowl on ABC.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.