ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Blake Corum returned to Michigan with the expectation that he’d lead the Wolverines back to a Big Ten championship and back to the College Football Playoff.
He has so far assisted U-M in achieving every objective this season. However, the claim that dominated headlines during the summer—”Natty or bust”—remains.
Speaking on Thursday morning of the Rose Bowl, captain Corum—who leads the country in running touchdowns—said he still has high expectations for the Michigan football team.
“I maintain my position on it. In my opinion, it’s either natty or bust, as I stated at the start of the year. We’re that close, too,” Corum remarked. “We need to overcome that obstacle, and I believe we will. We may have the recipe, I believe.
As the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoffs approach, the standout running back had the following further remarks:
On if he feels people consider Alabama the top team
Yes. From the leap, they overturned. I think they abandoned the job as soon as they said we would be playing Alabama. Which is okay since those are just people’s thoughts and ideas. As I mentioned before, we’re going into it as the dominant dog. We are going to play like the best team in the country because we are.A fantastic squad is Alabama. They are really well-coached after seeing the film. Defense is everywhere. We thus know that this will be a task that we are very much looking forward to. We’re still the best dog, though. And that’s the approach we will take.
On the benefits from a lighter practice schedule before the CFP compared to previous years:
Our bodies feel fantastic. Previously, we were kind of going at it a little bit, but Coach Harbaugh has since made some slight changes. We thus put in a lot of practice and will walkthrough at full speed without striking. Although every little detail is still important and the execution is still excellent, our bodies are feeling great. That is, in my opinion, a distinct strategy. Additionally, more males are accepting the movie intellectually. Considering the amount of time we have to play the game, we need make sure we are aware of every possible move they may make.
On if he stands on his national championship or bust mantra from the preseason:
Very absolutely. That’s where I stand. In my opinion, it’s either natty or bust, as I stated at the start of the year. We really are that close. We need to figure out a way around that obstacle, and I believe we can. I believe the recipe is here.
For the next several days, before we depart for California, all we have to do is stay put. And after we get in California, we’ll stay put until January 1st, just being careful to be exact. We are unable to make any errors. I do, however, stand by what I stated.
On if he can compare the Alabama defense to any Michigan has played:
We’ve executed some excellent defenses. enjoy the final three of the four games, in my opinion. Probably played Iowa, Penn State, and Ohio State as three of the top five defenses. Up there is Alabama. They are a really talented squad with excellent coaching, and they just fly about as they compete to be the first to the ball. They have self-control. Their corners and D-ends both have excellent quality. They rank right up there with the top defenses we’ve faced this year, particularly over the last four games, in Ohio, Penn State, and Iowa. There they are, holding hands. wonderful football players that like the game. In the movie, that’s what I perceive.
On his memory of the 2022 College Football Playoff:
It was awful. It was awful. I tried to share with my teammates what I witnessed on the field while being there for them. I desired to be outside. My desire was to be on the field, attempting to make a difference for the state of Michigan. After 365 days, we’re almost here at last. I’m thrilled to be playing for a fantastic team in the College Football Playoffs once again. and playing with my teammates on the field as opposed to using crutches on the sidelines.
On if Alabama’s defense reminds him of Penn State’s with great defensive ends:
Though we have the best defense in the country, their defense is quite similar to ours. Chop-like athletes like Chris Braswell and Dallas Turner are undoubtedly on their team. Fantastic D-ends are large, powerful, quick to get off the ball, and they can sprint from sideline to sideline. They do, in my opinion, resemble Penn State because of Chop and their linebackers. Football players that are passionate about the game adhere to the coaches’ game plan. We’ll have to play against a formidable defense on January 1st, but we’ll be prepared. We’ll be prepared.
On the run game with Zak Zinter out:
Zak seems so confident, but I wish he was playing. Trente at tackle and Karsen at guard will also be just fine, in my opinion. They’re prepared. They look fantastic in that photo. I can’t wait to chase after them.
