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The Potato is back just in time for the big bowl season ahead. After a bit of vacation and hours of analyzing game film in preparation for the Rose Bowl, the Potato is ready to bring the blueprint for a Michigan victory. The Potato got press passes for the big game but said screw that - I’m going as a fan!

First, let’s quickly dive into the whole FSU debacle - plain and simple the committee made a mockery of the sport by choosing Alabama and should be ashamed of themselves. Sure, everyone would pick Bama in a future match, but they would have picked them the year before over TCU (and anytime they didn’t make it). Duh, they almost never lose. You can’t predict the future, that’s why you play the games! FSU isn’t a fluke, this is a loaded veteran team that could have (and did) adjust. They even won with their 3rd string QB for a game!

Now let’s address the whole scared of Bama comments that we all got from the casual fan. Yeah, everyone should be scared of Bama. A bad Bama team basically wins 90% of their games. Just look at the chart below, and this is a “bad” Bama team. They are loaded with 5 stars. Even at their worst, they are still one of the best. We're going to need to play A+ football to win. No one wakes up and says in truth I would rather play Bama. Stop being silly. The casual fan should be rooting hard for Michigan (something pretty rare) - we’re the dog trying to make history!

But, the thing is this Michigan team isn't scared of anyone. We're the experienced team both in playoff and game experience. We've been thru everything. Vegas doesn't put us as a favorite otherwise (which was extremely surprising). Most championship teams fail closely before they win. It should be our time. But, we've got to come to play and take advantage of our advantages. How... pretty simple.

Run the ball right at these guys till they are put into submission with double tight ends. Play action all over the place to our TEs. Run McCarthy like we've never have before. No turnovers and penalties. Basically, be Michigan but with a bit more creativity which has been lacking tremendously. Nothing outrageous mind you, but a few trick plays, TE delays, get out wide in doses, and attack relentlessly. Never settle.

But, the real question will be how to stop Milroe and his running and deep threat ability. First thing, never rush three. NEVER. Don't get beat deep. EVER. This Bama team doesn't want to move it methodically, they want the big play. So, we need to rush four, keep everything in front of us, dumb it down, and make them earn it. This is a poor offensive line for Bama - our front must be able to get pressure and I think they will. And, we should play more zone so that there's no long running lanes for the QB to get free. Follow this blueprint and we should be okay with an occasional long QB run. It will be frustrating, it will be aggravating, it will be demoralizing, but the big interception or stop will come.

Predictions - let's be honest here, bowl season with the portal and players sitting out has gotten dumb for predictions. Bet the right side at the right time early and you could be getting monster free points and make big money...

Arizona - 3 vs Oklahoma - Arizona is playing well and Oklahoma is missing their QB. Take the Wildcats.

Missouri - 2.5 vs Ohio State - Ohio State is a mess right now and missing everyone but I'm still taking them. 

Penn St. -3 vs Ole Miss - Penn St. plays defense. Ole Miss doesn't. I think PSU will come to play and wants this one. I’m not sure why but give me the Lions.

Texas - 4 vs Washington - This one should be a dandy and is getting overlooked by the Rose Bowl sadly. Both are amazing games. Both teams are really hard to read and while I think Texas is slightly better, in a toss up game getting points you might as well take them. Texas wins but doesn't cover.

The Granddaddy Of Them All - Rose Bowl...

The last prediction of the year. Bama jumps out to an early lead, but Michigan stays patient and crawls back and takes the lead in the third. Bama then gets a monster play to take the lead back with about five minutes to play. On their last drive with a few minutes to play Michigan goes down the field converting a short 4th and then ends up getting in the end zone with a 1 yard dive from Corum with one minute to play. A frantic finish ensues but Bama comes up just short and Michigan goes on to play Texas for the title!

MICHIGAN 27-24

GO BLUE!