Barkley Pleads for Michigan to Stop Alabama

0:00On March 27, Charles Barkley, the Auburn legend from Alabama, made a bold plea during his bracket talk on TNT after Thursday's March madness games. He urged Michigan to knock out the fourth-seated Crimson Tide in their sweet 16 match-up and end Alabama's strong run. Barkley, tired of all the hype around Alabama basketball back home, predicted an early exit for them against the top-seated Wolverines. The game is set for Friday at the United Center in Chicago. Alabama has reached the sweet 16 for the fourth year in a row under coach Nate Oates. The program has tied its record with six NCAA tournament appearances this season, including two wins over rival Auburn. Oates recently shut down rumors about the North Carolina job, saying he's fully committed to building Alabama into a champion. He pointed to their final four-trip last year as proof of the progress. Fans will watch closely as Michigan tries to live up to Barkley's wish and halt Alabama's momentum in this key clash.