Michigan Wolverines

The bright lights and the big stage certainly didn't affect the focus of the defending champs, as No. 2 Alabama routed No. 8 Michigan 41-14 on Saturday inside Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Alabama's defense might be younger, but it didn't flinch against Michigan's flashy spread offense. The Tide's defense smothered the Wolverines, holding them to 268 total yards, forcing Michigan to go 3-of-12 on third downs and creating three turnovers.

Alabama's offense was equally impressive. The Tide showed tremendous balance, as quarterback AJ McCarron passed for 199 yards and two touchdowns, while true freshman running back T.J. Yeldon rushed for 111 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries.

It was over when: This one got away from Michigan early, but you could really feel this one was officially out of hand after Alabama running back Eddie Lacy bullied his way into the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown to make it 21-0 with 1:24 left in the first quarter.

Game ball goes to: Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart called a near-perfect game against an offense many thought would give the Tide issues. Smart and his players were more than prepared against Denard Robinson and that spread. Robinson was all over the place with some of his early passes, and was pressured and contained by Alabama's front seven for most of the night, basically taking him out of the game.

Stat of the game: Michigan didn't give up more than 40 points in any game last season. The Wolverines surrendered 41 points Saturday night and gave up 31 by halftime.

Unsung hero: There was a lot of talk about what Alabama's defense would do, especially the secondary. That put a lot on the shoulders of senior cornerback Dee Milliner. But he made quite the statement Saturday. He showed lockdown ability, knocked passes away and came away with his own interception. He's certainly the leader of this group.

What it means for Alabama: People wondered what the defending champs had in the tank with the pieces they lost on defense, and Alabama delivered a monstrous punch. It was only one game and SEC play hasn't started, but Alabama yet again looks very strong on both sides of the ball. That's a scary thought for the rest of the country ... and the SEC.

What it means for Michigan: This wasn't Robinson's best game, and there were a few plays in the first half that should have been made. But the Wolverines likely won't play a defense as dominating as Alabama's from here on out. The other good news is that suspended Fitzgerald Toussaint and defensive end Frank Clark will return. This team can still make a run in the Big Ten.

It has not been a friendly half for Michigan. Pretty much everything that the Wolverines were concerned about entering their season-opener against No. 2 Alabama came true. The offensive line struggled. The defensive line was gashed. Denard Robinson struggled with his accuracy.


Here's a breakdown of what happened.

Stat of the half: Michigan took its best weapon on offense, Denard Robinson, and neutralized him. Robinson, one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, ran twice in the first half, gaining nine yards. The Wolverines, as much as Alabama, turned Robinson into a pocket passer and that didn't go well as he was 5 of 16 for 99 yards and two interceptions.

Player of the half: Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron might not have been perfect on the statsheet, but the junior made great reads when he threw the ball and completely sold the playaction fake well for the Crimson Tide which led to two touchdowns.

What’s working for Michigan: About the only positive for Michigan in the first half was the play of freshman kick returner Dennis Norfleet, who showed good instincts and speed. However, even when he got the Wolverines good field position, it was negated by a penalty.

What’s NOT working for Michigan: Everything on offense and defense. A combination of Alabama and the playcalling of offensive coordinator Al Borges turned Robinson into a pocket passer, neutralizing his best skill -- running the ball. The Michigan defensive front was gashed by the Alabama offensive line and the Crimson Tide's running backs.