Jim Harbaugh, Nick Saban preview intriguing Citrus Bowl matchup
Two of the most storied programs in college football history are gearing up for a showdown in the postseason.
Unfortunately, the Michigan vs Alabama matchup will not be coming in the College Football Playoff. It will not even come in a New Year’s Six Bowl, but the two teams will be facing off in the Citrus Bowl during the postseason.
With the Wolverines led by Jim Harbaugh and the Crimson Tide led by Nick Saban, this will be one of the most intriguing matchups during bowl season. Add in the fact that it will feature a B1G vs SEC showdown and you have the makings of a bowl game you will want to see.
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Following the announcement of the bowl slate on Sunday, Harbaugh and Saban previewed the upcoming bowl during a teleconference. Angelique Chengelis with the Detroit News shared the comments from both coaches:
Nick Saban on Citrus Bowl conference call: "A challenge we certainly look forward to" vs. Michigan says the team is disappointed how it finished season "this is an opportunity to show who we are"
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2019
Saban: "We've played in 7 champ games in the last 10 years, won 5 lost 2, so there is a high standard for the program, so you are disappointed when you're not in that position …. this group had a lot of adversity to overcome….opportunity to get back on track."
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2019
Saban on Citrus call: "I have a lot of respect for Jim. He's done a great job at Michigan. We have a lot of respect for the University of Michigan ….I don't really know Jim Harbaugh all that well but I have a tremendous amount of respect for him."
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2019
Harbaugh on Citrus conference call: "The Alabama team is a great team. They've set the bar for college football the last many years….. High-powered offense, a great defense. I've already started to look at them."
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2019
Harbaugh on Citrus call re; Alabama "Could be the best group of receivers I've seen, maybe ever"
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2019
Harbaugh on Citrus call: asked about UM facing a team not used to not being in playoff: "The team, this is the model of success…..a very elite team. our preparation will have to be at its highest level. Big-time matchup. We're very much looking forward to it."
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2019
Both coaches dealt with the question of whether or not players may decide to sit out the bowl game. Here is what the two had to say about the topic:
Harbaugh asked about players who might sit. Said he will have individual conversations …."Finish what you started is the general rule I've personally thought of it"
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2019
Saban on Citrus call: "this has been an issue in the past. we haven't experienced it in a while. we'll see what happens with this group" — on Bama players sitting out bowl
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2019
Michigan and Alabama have not played since 2012 when Brady Hoke was leading the Wolverines. Alabama won that game by a score of 41-14.
The Citrus Bowl is set to kick at 1 pm EST on New Year’s Day. Coverage will be on ABC.
