The playoffs can turn out to be a tense affair and a matter of nerves jangling. However, ahead of their box-office New Year’s Day clash, the Alabama DB has lavished praise on Michigan’s QB. Yes, there’s no typo included here! Alabama and Michigan are two competitive teams and would put everything on the line to go forth with the playoffs.

However, the noteworthy praise has shown the mutual admiration the players have for each other. Days before the colossal clash, Alabama’s defensive back Terrion Arnold compared JJ McCarthy to an NFL stalwart. This is a massive piece of news coming in from Nick Saban‘s 5-star DB as he put the Wolverines QB and the former LSU player in the same bracket. Read more to find out!

Nick Saban’s DB words of appreciation for JJ McCarthy

While the two teams- Michigan Wolverines and Alabama Crimson Tide football team enjoy a fierce rivalry on the field. But that doesn’t mean the teams don’t have mutual respect for the opponent players. Recently, Alabama’s DB Terrion Arnold comparing Michigan’s JJ McCarthy to former Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, said, “When you’re playing against somebody, you have to give them the credit that they deserve. And (JJ McCarthy), he’s a very good athlete.”

This is some quality appreciation coming in from the opposition ahead of the summit clash. Arnold then went on to describe the similarities between the ex-LSU star and Michigan’s QB. “When you look at him on film and things like that, it surprises you how much he actually does run. As he scrambles, has his eyes down the field.” Though McCarthy doesn’t have the stats to back up this comparison right now, his performance in films is definitely worthy of it. McCarthy’s agility and swiftness will be tested when the team goes against the Alabama side.

How’s the battle shaping up between the Wolverines and Alabama?

The stage is all set for the perfect New Year’s match. Alabama, a late entrant into the playoffs goes off against the No.1 ranked Michigan Wolverines. Two inseparable teams with lots to prove will be eyeing the ultimate bragging rights. While some pundits believe that the sign-stealing saga has somewhat dented Michigan’s psyches, there are problems for Alabama too.

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Alabama Crimson Tide are struggling with their offensive line. Having allowed a sack on about 11% of their games, the record just shows the tip of the iceberg. Moreover, after their controversial inclusion in the CFP, the players want to prove themselves worthy of the decision.

For Michigan, they’ve played with a consistent manner throughout the season and could be tested against an unorthodox Alabama side. Since ‘Bama puts the ball in the air for a long, the Michigan’s WRs would be tested vertically. Who do you think will win – the dominant Wolverines or the dark horse entrants Crimson Tide? Let us know in the comments.

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