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Nick Saban very complimentary of former Alabama assistant, Michigan OC Josh Gattis
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When Michigan and Alabama take the field in Orlando for the Citrus Bowl, there will be some familiar faces on opposing sidelines. After one season with the Crimson Tide on Nick Saban’s staff, Josh Gattis took a job as the offensive coordinator for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan.
On New Year’s Day, Gattis will have a chance to call plays against his former boss, showing him how he’s grown as an offensive coordinator this season. Though Saban was only around Gattis for one season in Tuscaloosa, he’s impressed with how the rising assistant coach has helped Michigan this year.
“I think Josh has done a really, really good job with their offensive team,” Saban told reporters. “They present a lot of problems for you. They’ve got great balance. They can run the ball. They’ve got a good offensive line. They’ve got a good, young back. The quarterback has played well for them. He can make all the throws. They use the RPOs.
“But I think the balance that they have on offense, the formation variables that they use, the things that they make you adjust to are difficult things to prepare for, and it’s good that we have a little extra time. But I think their offense has been very effective for them this year.”
Michigan’s offense struggled quite a bit early in the season, but when Shea Patterson returned to full strength after battling nagging injuries, the Wolverines were able to put up big numbers on just about everyone on the schedule. Now, they’ll have another tough test with Alabama.
The Wolverines head into the game looking for their fourth 10-win season in five years. Alabama is hoping to end the year on a high note after missing the College Football Playoff for the first time since the inaugural season in 2014.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB