Why Loveland is an 'X-factor' Capable of Determining Whether Michigan or 'Bama Reach the Promised Land

Wolverine tight end draws praise from Tide coach Saban, discusses Rose Bowl matchup, friendship with quarterback McCarthy, and the magic of playing a national semi-final in Pasadena

Photo Courtesy of University of Michigan Photography

Michigan’s Colston Loveland was a first team All-Big Ten selection by coaches in 2023.

By Steve Kornacki

LOS ANGELES – Alabama coach Nick Saban sees Michigan sophomore tight end Colston Loveland as a priority in preparing for Monday’s Rose Bowl, and also realizes familiarity in the challenge of defending Loveland.

“The quarterback [J.J. McCarthy] is a very efficient player,” said Saban. “They’ve got some really good skill guys. No. 18 [Loveland], the tight end, kind of a mismatch, a little like Georgia’s guy [Brock Bowers].”

When the coach who holds the record by winning seven national championships spotlights you, it’s special.

"It's pretty cool," Loveland said of Saban's comments. "But, I mean, I do think I'm a mismatch. Yeah, cool that he said that."

Most opponents have found him to be a challenge.

Loveland was the first team All-Big Ten tight end in a vote by coaches, while the media picked Ohio State’s Cade Stover. Loveland caught 40 passes for 572 yards and four touchdowns. He also blocked well and drew the attention of every head coach and defensive coordinator the No. 1 Wolverines (13-0) faced.

Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore says Loveland – who should be a Mackey Award candidate next year as the nation’s top tight end – is more than a great player.

“I mean, besides being an outstanding player, one of the best in the country, I just see an outstanding human being,” said Moore, “He’s an outstanding kid who  loves football, loves his teammates. He grinds, and is a true leader. I’m excited to have him and be a part of his journey and what he’s doing. He is a phenomenal player. What you see on film is who he is. He’s a great player, and he’s even a better person.”

Loveland began becoming a major contributor late last year, when tight end Luke Schoonmaker, now playing for the Dallas Cowboys, was injured. The freshman took on a bigger role and had touchdown catches against Ohio State and Purdue. In the playoff game against TCU, Loveland believes Michigan got away from being Michigan.

"We didn't play great.,” said Loveland. “[There was a] lack of focus and detail. Our preparation was pretty good but just lacked a lot of things in the game. We just got to stay on schedule [to avoid third-and-long challenges] and play our game."

When it comes to preparing for this year's game compared to last year, Loveland hasn't changed much in his preparation. However, as quarterback JJ McCarthy has said, the team is trying to stay balanced and avoid the mental obstacles of a game like this.

"A lot of times,” said Loveland, “it's a big game, a lot of stress, a lot of people are stressing. I think it's good to sit back a little bit, get everything right, get your mind right leading into a game like this."

The winner of this game in Pasadena plays for the national championship Jan. 8 in Houston against Sugar Bowl winner Texas or Washington.

The “connection” between Loveland and McCarthy has paid big dividends for the Wolverines, and their strong relationship contributes to that. They enjoy eating or playing golf and Uno together, and Loveland noted that he’s only beaten the quarterback once on the links.

“We’ve got a great connection,” said Loveland. “We hang out a lot inside [Schembechler Hall] but outside as well getting food or whatever it is. We’ve got a great bond, and I think being [together] outside of the building translates for sure inside, practicing and feeling everything and reps are the biggest thing.

“But we’ve definitely gotten a lot closer and found a little connection for sure…I love that guy.”

Loveland said he didn’t play tight end until his junior year at Gooding (Idaho) High, and so he’s played the position only four years.

“I was playing receiver at a small school,” said Loveland, adding that a large contingent of family and friends from his hometown will be at the Rose Bowl.

One tight end he watched to learn was Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints. “He was super fun to watch,” said Loveland.

Now he’s watching plenty of film of Alabama to prepare for every nuance they bring as a smart, quick-reacting opponent.

This Crimson Tide defense didn't rank as high as it has in recent years, placing 16^th nationally in scoring defense (18.4 points) and 17^th in total defense (313.3 yards). However, Loveland has complete respect for them.

"You can obviously tell they are well coached,” he said. “A lot of what they do is checks on the field. You can see with the players there's a lot of communication. Everyone is on the same page, and they're a good team."

He compared them to Penn State because of “the athletes they got, the speed and being well coached.”

Loveland has the team's longest pass play of the year at 54 yards, and is going to be a challenge for Alabama’s linebackers to cover. Will defensive backs, likely safeties or perhaps even cornerbacks, be needed on him? That would open up things for Michigan’s wide receivers?

That’s what Saban – who won the first of his six Crimson Tide national titles in 2009 with a Rose Bowl win over Texas -- is concerned about.

Saban’s comments about him causing coverage problems were brought up again here at Friday’s press conference.

“Not a lot of safeties I feel can really guard me,” said Loveland. “A lot of the safeties you see are box safeties. They more probably play the run a lot better than they do coverage. They've got some good safeties, but I'm ready to get after them, for sure.”

Alabama strong safety Caleb Downs is one of three Crimson Tide defensive backs to make first team All-America on at least one honor squad. The others were cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.

Downs, also first team All-SEC, was the conference’s Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year with 99 tackles, 3.5 tackles for lost yardage, two interceptions, three pass breakups and one forced fumble. Free safety Jaylen Key has 56 tackles, 1.5 tackles for lost yardage, one pass breakup and one interception.

“I’m ready for a great challenge,” said Loveland. “It’s going to be a good challenge. They’ve got some good safeties. They’re going to have a good plan, but I think I can be an X-factor in this game.”

He also praised Downs: “I think he's good in coverage, for sure. I think every safety in this final four, top four teams, are good in coverage and good in the run game. But as a freshman [he’s] doing a good job this fall. And I think I'll be able to -- I'm a good player, too, obviously. So, I think it will be exciting. Good match-up… But he’s a damn good player, for sure.”

Bowers – a two-time Mackey Award winner and a three-time All-American -- didn’t have a big game against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, making five catches for 53 yards without a touchdown. But he was far from 100 percent physically. Loveland is full-go, and ready to go.

He’s imagined playing in the majestic setting of the Rose Bowl, a game which starts in bright sunshine, continues with the setting sun reflecting off the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance, and ends under the lights as a night game.

“It’s a blessing to be able to play there,” said Loveland. “That’s one of those bowl games that as a kid…you’ve heard of the Rose Bowl. So, it’s super exciting. I’m glad to play and I’m excited to see us all get down there and walk out of the tunnel.

“It’s been a good time, and it’ll be exciting to play in front of all the people from back home for sure.”