I've said that confidence and mentality are some of the most important aspects of competitive sports at the championship level.
Michigan isn't playing Bama's history. This isn't the Shea Patterson game in 2019. This isn't Brady Hoke in Dallas in 2012.
I believe Michigan has the better team. People who are afraid of Alabama are afraid of something bigger than this team. There is one dude who will remain nameless who NEVER picks Michigan to win when it looks hard. That's because some folks out there predicting scores don't understand what it is like to punch up above your weight class. The most talented teams don't always win...look at TCU vs Michigan. Look at the NFL. But This game isn't even punching up. For several reasons that I hope I can address later, Michigan has so much in their favor. But we have a roster full of pros. Period.
People who don't see it are traumatized by 2021 and 2022. But those games carry over as negative fears for fans, but they are net positives for the team in experience, preparation, and motivation. Experience that basically none of the Alabama team has.
Just because a bunch of fat country boys on their OL put on that same uniform, it doesn't make them the same kind of good. But I'm glad the world believes Alabama is something better than they are. So that when Michigan wins, they might say UM was good...although if they lose, they will say..."this wasn't vintage Bama." As if all they can only do is win.
In November 2021 I really believed that UM was about to go on a historic three year run. It started with seeing the true FRAUD Ryan Day is and knowing that OSU was in trouble in 2021. The three year run ended up even better than I thought because so many guys came back in 2023. It is Michigan's year.
If any year, THIS year. Go Blue, Beat Bama!