Mike Sainristil has made big plays for Michigan football, and the Wolverines need him to have another big game.
ANN ARBOR, MI – Mike Sainrsitil is one of the most important playmakers in the Michigan secondary, and the Wolverines will rely on him again in the Rose Bowl against Alabama.
The Crimson Tide rank 19th in scoring offense nationally, but they can break a long one at any point in the game. Alabama ranks fourth in college football in passing plays of 40 yards or more, thanks in part to a dynamic quarterback in Jalen Milroe who can extend plays and receivers who can threaten downfield, particularly Jermaine Burton.
This week, Mike Sainristil spoke with reporters about what Michigan needs to do to slow Alabama. Here’s what he had to say:
Regarding Alabama’s deep passing threat:
They’ll run the same play in a variety of ways. They find various ways to get there. They’ll find ways to fool you into thinking they’re in a balanced set formation, and then they’ll slow down the tempo. Then they’ll have a guy take a step away from the ball while you’re looking at your sideline. The ball is snapped the next thing you know. The ball is over your head before you know it. It’s as if they’re wondering, ‘Wait, what just happened?’ They do, however, have dynamic receivers and a really good quarterback who can throw the ball 70 yards in the air. Their receivers are excellent at following the ball down the field. As a result, it’s a fantastic opportunity for our defense.
Regarding whether the Alabama offense is comparable to any Michigan has faced this season:
We had excellent offenses. We played Maryland, who had an excellent quarterback. Very good at getting out of the pocket and creating plays, similar to Milroe. We played Ohio State, who has a lot of talented receivers. The Biletnikoff was won by Marvin Harrison. So we’ve had scenarios that have definitely prepared us for a team like Alabama. Having the ability to take everything we’ve learned this year and just put it all together here going into this game will be the best thing for our preparation.
Regarding whether his matchup with Marvin Harrison Jr. will prepare him for Alabama:
Not at all. They employ various offensive and schematic strategies.
I’d just say being able to take my experience playing against a very good NFL top-five, probably, draft pick type of receiver. I used to be a good receiver. But everyone is good in their own way.
These individuals: Bond is most likely a 10.2 100-meter sprinter. I’d say he’s a lot faster than Marvin Harrison. There are various things from various guys. But I do believe we’ve all been prepared in different ways for this game.
Concerning how much zone coverage will be beneficial in keeping an eye on Jalen Milroe:
It will undoubtedly be beneficial. But, to some extent, you want to be able to get on those guys, play man coverage, get sticky coverage, and eliminate his options, allowing our front line to make plays. You have an excellent D line. Our D line is complementary to our back end, and our back end is complementary to our front end.
So we just have to make sure that no matter what defense we’re playing — zone or man — that everyone is doing their part and not trying to do anyone else’s. We’re expecting them to make plays. That’s a fantastic offense. It all boils down to who makes the most plays when they are needed.
On the legendary Rose Bowl stage:
There is no greater moment or stage than playing in the Rose Bowl against a team like Alabama. Two iconic football programs, two teams — their fan bases will travel well, as will our fan bases. And I’m already referring to it as a classic football game.
