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ESPN’s David Pollack: Crimson Tide ‘have a really bad taste in their mouth’ ahead of Citrus Bowl matchup with Michigan
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Alabama may be in unusual territory in the Citrus Bowl, but at least one analyst thinks the Crimson Tide will have plenty of motivation facing off against Michigan.
Entering the season-ending bowl, the Crimson Tide have a chance to finish the year with three losses. That is something that has happened just once in Tuscaloosa this decade. It also occurred at the very start with Alabama finishing the 2010 season at 10-3. That was also the last time Nick Saban’s team played in a non-BCS/New Year’s Six Bowl.
Heading into New Year’s Day, many analysts have speculated about the possibility of Alabama being unmotivated for the bowl game. However, ESPN’s David Pollack thinks the way this season ended has plenty of Tide players looking to make a statement in the game.
“A bunch of guys decided to play because I think they have a really bad taste in their mouth,” said Pollack on the Championship Drive pregame show. “It’s going to be interesting to watch the Tide. Usually, the motivation is a factor for teams always in the Playoff, always in the hunt. This is a team that seems like they kind of have something to play for, so I’m interested to watch the Tide today.”
On the other side of the ball, Jim Harbaugh is trying to have his team up for an intriguing matchup to end the season. The Wolverines are currently on a three-game bowl losing streak under Harbaugh, but their last bowl win came in the Citrus Bowl following the 2015 season.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.