• Watch out for Terrion Arnold: Most teams typically target Arnold over Kool-Aid McKinstry, but that doesn’t mean it works out any better for them. Arnold actually has the higher coverage grade and has recorded five more interceptions.
• Michigan LB Michael Barrett could play a big role: Barrett not only boasts the second-highest overall grade in the FBS, but he also has the highest pass-rushing grade at his position, with 17 pressures to his name this season.
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Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
Alabama Player to watch: CB Terrion Arnold (90.0 PFF Grade)
Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry are top cornerback prospects on PFF's 2024 NFL Draft big board. Most teams typically choose to target Arnold over McKinstry, but that doesn’t mean it works out any better for them — Arnold actually has the higher coverage grade and has recorded five more interceptions. When opposing quarterbacks do target Arnold, they are putting up a measly 51.3 passer rating.
Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry: Coverage statistics in 2023
| Terrion Arnold | PFF Metric | Kool-Aid McKinstry |
| 71 | Targets | 37 |
| 38 | Receptions | 17 |
| 53.5% | Comp. % | 45.9% |
| 5 | Interceptions | 0 |
| 13 | Total forced incompletions | 10 |
| 5.9 | Coverage snaps per target | 11.6 |
| 11.0 | Coverage snaps per reception allowed | 25.3 |
| 51.3 | Passer rating allowed | 70.0 |
| 86.3 | Coverage grade | 86.9 |
Player to watch for Michigan: LB Michael Barrett (81.5)
Michigan’s linebackers will have to step up to keep Milroe in check. Barrett not only boasts the second-highest overall grade in the FBS, but he also has the highest pass-rushing grade at his position, with 17 pressures to his name this season.
Michael Barrett sack forced fumble and Derrick Moore recovers it for a TD 〽️pic.twitter.com/bzj058lj7J
— RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) November 18, 2023
Keys to an Alabama victory
The Tide’s pass rush will need to get to J.J. McCarthy, who has faced pressure on only 29.9% of his dropbacks this season. The Michigan quarterback is one of the best in the country from a clean pocket and boasts a 90.1 clean-pocket passing grade this season. However, that mark drops to 71.2 under pressure.
If Alabama can get out to an early lead and rattle McCarthy, it will be tough for Michigan to come back, as they have not been in that position all season and struggle playing from behind when they’re forced to throw the ball.
Keys to a Michigan victory
This Michigan team ranks seventh in run-play percentage at 55.3%, and that typically works against 99% of teams because of their big men up front. That doesn’t necessarily bode well against Alabama, who can match their physicality.
Blake Corum can only do so much against this front seven, so the Wolverines will need J.J. McCarthy to step up and prove that he’s a first-round-caliber quarterback.
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