About a fortnight ago, there was widespread discourse around the CFB sphere pertaining to the future of Bowl games. Certain factions, perhaps reasonably, believed they would not carry the same weight anymore. That the expanded playoff will make them redundant, futile even. Fast forward to the present day, and the Bowls have actually spewed some of the best games all year. They’ve been like a light-hearted spin-off episode before the CFB canon reaches absolution. After that anticlimactic CFP round 1, this weekend’s action went some way to entertain.

For Michigan and Alabama, though, the ReliaQuest Bowl is perhaps more important than mere entertainment. Both these blueblood behemoths have had a season that’s run quite parallel. First-year head coaches who are not quite able to rekindle what their predecessors did. Alas, this matchup presents an opportunity for Sherrone Moore to carry some momentum into next year, as well as tie a ribbon onto this. Although both teams had relatively poor seasons, they’re still loaded with NFL caliber talent. As is the case, begrudgingly, many such players will sit out. 

One Michigan insider, over on the Michigan Sports Talk YouTube channel, leveraged some insight on what the makeup of the team will look like down in Tampa on NYE. One of the more interesting revelations is around QB Alex Orji. Although he’s entered the transfer portal ahead of his senior year, Orji is still at the facility training with the Wolverines and is poised to play the game.

In an era of CFB, where players have more power than ever and can opt out of Bowl games, this decision from Alex Orji is quite a pleasant surprise. Sherrone Moore will need his services, too. Star running back Kalel Mullings shall not partake. Orji, an excellent runner from QB, can perhaps shoulder some of his ground-yardage. Elsewhere, the D-line tasked with keeping Bama’s Jalen Milroe at bay is going to miss its departing stars.

Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josiah Stewart have opted out. The trifecta has declared for the NFL Draft and shall avert the risk of potential injury. In their absence, the insider relayed information of who’s going to start. It’ll be T.J. Guy and Derrick Moore playing as edge rushers, rather expectantly. As well as Rayshaun Benny and Trey Pierce at D-tackle. Although their star linemen have refrained from participating, there’s little to no backlash. It’s the norm. However, one CFB player perhaps pushed the boundaries of this unspoken consent over the weekend.

Alex Orji’s availability for Sherrone Moore is refreshing after controversy elsewhere

The underlying issue of Bowl games is the spirit of competition. Players sitting out has long been a point of contention among stakeholders and fans alike. Some promote it since one misstep can be career-altering. Others despise it since it’s perceived as a maneuver putting oneself ahead of their comrades heading into battle. Over time, the former opinion has overridden the latter. Miami’s now departing QB1 Cam Ward has reinvigorated the latter crowd with some ammunition.

Cam Ward’s predetermined call to play only the first half of Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl and sit out the rest, despite his team trailing and eventually losing, caught massive flak. The disdain stemmed from the notion he left his teammates out to dry after breaking the all-time D-1 touchdown record. It led to the suggestion, which his actions made difficult to repel, that he only played to get the record in his final collegiate game.

Alex Orji’s decree is, hence, even more resounding. He’s got one foot out of Ann Arbor already, yet he’s made himself available for Sherrone Moore and his teammates. These two are an allegory for just how polarizing CFB can be. Orji hopes this “risk” bears fruit and that he can end his Michigan stint with a massive win against Bama. Coach Moore’s efforts to bring Michigan back to its pedestal continue.