Former Michigan star and first-round NFL Draft pick Taylor Lewan thinks Wolverines fans have “nothing to be
concerned about” in the Rose Bowl.
Lewan noted that he witnessed Alabama’s dynasty firsthand “when they were real,” but that is not how he perceives the current Tide.
“Here’s what I’ll say about Alabama, when it was first announced,” Lewan stated in a social media video post about
the Tide’s Rose Bowl CFP Semifinal against Michigan on January 1.
“Myself, knowing from my past traumas of dealing with Alabama — when Alabama was a dynasty, when they were
real — I was like ‘Damn, like I hope that doesn’t happen again.'”
Indeed, Lewan was on the losing end of a 41-14 Crimson Tide triumph in each teams’ 2012 season opener in
Arlington, Texas.
Kirby Smart helped develop an Alabama team as the Tide’s defensive coordinator and key recruiter, and the
Wolverines’ season ended with a 33-28 loss to Steve Spurrier’s 11-2 South Carolina Gamecocks in the Outback Bowl.
But, according to Lewan, the unbeaten 2023 Michigan squad is well-prepared to face this version of Alabama
football.
“I have watched the film of USF (vs. Alabama), I have watched some of these games,” Lewan was quoted as saying.
“Let me tell you right now, if you’re a Michigan fan watching this show, we’ve got nothing to worry about.”