Michigan beats Alabama in CFP semifinal, advance to national championship
Michigan ousted Alabama and are headed to the national championship, so we enlisted the help of college football great Matt Leinart to break down what makes the Wolverines so special.
Who has it better than Michigan? Nobody.
The top-ranked team in the country was able to claw back from a fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide in overtime, 27-20, in the 2024 Rose Bowl to send the Wolverines to their first national championship game this century.
After struggling to move the ball in the second half – and facing a touchdown deficit – the Michigan offense was able to put together its best drive of the game in the final minutes to tie it and send it to overtime. Blake Corum was able to score on the opening overtime possession, while the defense stopped Alabama on fourth and goal on the following possession to win the game.
Michigan will now await the winner of the Sugar Bowl between Washington and Texas to face in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 8 in Houston. It will be the first time the Wolverines will play in a national championship game since the BCS began in 1998, and will play to win their first national title since 1997. It was also Michigan’s first College Football Playoff win after losing in the semifinals the past two years.
As for Alabama, the team that made the playoffs despite lots of controversy for getting picked over Florida State, it will be another season without a national championship, as the now three-season drought is the longest for the Crimson Tide in the Nick Saban era.
USA TODAY Sports provided highlights, updates and more from from the 2024 Rose Bowl below.
This section will be updated after each scoring play.
USA TODAY Sports will be tracking updates, highlights and more from the 2024 Rose Bowl below.
Michigan stuffs Jalen Milroe, downs Alabama in OT
The Wolverines are headed to the ‘chip.
Alabama got to the three-yard line to set up a fourth-and-goal to keep the game alive. The snap was low, but Jalen Milroe picked it up and tried to run it in. The Wolverine defense was ready, tackling Milroe at the two-yard line to get the stop and win the Rose Bowl in a dramatic finish. –Jordan Mendoza
Michigan strikes first in OT
It only took two plays for Michigan to go up in overtime.
The Wolverines had the first possession of the extra period. They handed the ball to star running back Blake Corum on the first play and he got eight yards. They handed it to him again and he scampered left and swirled through some Alabama defenders for the 17-yard touchdown.
Michigan is up 27-20. –Victoria Hernandez
College football overtime rules
The overtime rules in college football are a bit different in years past, as after the second overtime, each team gets only one play. Here is the format:
- First OT: Normal period, with both teams chance to score.
- Second OT: Same as first overtime, but if team scores touchdown, team must go for two-point conversion.
- Third OT and after: One play for each team for two-point conversion.
Why Nick Saban was right to play for overtime
It’s fourth-and-4 from the Alabama 43-yard line. Alabama needs five yards for a first down and seven to cross midfield. With 54 seconds left, Nick Saban made the right call to punt the ball back to Michigan.
If Alabama took a chance and failed, Michigan would’ve had an opportunity to kick a game-winning field goal. While Michigan’s kicker is having a rough night, Saban didn’t toy with the possibility.
Alabama nearly had a muffed punt to recover. But securing overtime by not forcing the issue offensively could bode well for the Crimson Tide. –Safid Deen
The Rose Bowl is heading to overtime, though it almost didn’t.
Michigan’s Jake Thaw nearly iced the game for Alabama, botching a punt reception and pinning the Wolverines back against its goal line. Before that, though, J.J. McCarthy and Michigan’s offense tied the game late with a dizzying drive that led to a game-tying TD.
Now, ‘Bama and Michigan head to OT to determine who will head to the CFP championship game. –Joe Rivera
Rose Bowl heads to overtime following near muffed punt
Michigan came so close to gifting Alabama a win, recovering a muffed punt inside its own 1-yard line before recovering it.
Jake Thaw was back deep to return the punt, but he couldn’t secure the catch at the 7-yard line. He was able to get to the ball right before it went into end zone, and he took a massive hit from the Alabama defenders, but he hung on.
Michigan was able to scoot forward on the next play before taking a knee, setting up an overtime finish in the Rose Bowl, the third overtime game in College Football Playoff history. –Jordan Mendoza
Roman Wilson made the spectacular catch to keep Michigan alive, and he made the play to tie the Rose bowl with 94 seconds left.
J.J. McCarthy found Wilson in motion for the four-yard touchdown pass in what was a must-score drive for the Wolverines. Michigan had a botched extra point earlier, but there were no issues with this one: James Turner knocked it in to make it 20-all as Alabama gets the ball. –Jordan Mendoza
The Tide has turned on the Crimson Tide thanks to three Michigan plays in crunch time.
A 27-yard completion to running back Black Corum out of the backfield.
A 16-yard run by quarterback J.J. McCarthy who was pushed late out of bounds, but Alabama was not called for a penalty.
And a 29-yard completion from McCarthy to a soaring Roman Wilson to get to the 5-yard line.
A stunning sequence set up Michigan’s touchdown to tie the game with 1:34 remaining. –Safid Deen
Alabama furthers lead with dramatic field goal
Alabama furthered their lead with a field goal in the fourth quarter.
After Jalen Milroe was sacked by Michigan’s Braiden McGregor, the Crimson Tide faced a fourth-and-14.
With 4:41 on the clock, Will Reichard lined up for the 52-yard field goal. He kicked the ball for a wide arc that initially looked wide right, but then sailed through the uprights.
Alabama is up 20-13. –Victoria Hernandez
Michigan misses field goal following Milroe fumble
The defense got a huge turnover, but the offense can’t do anything with it.
Michigan put together a few promising plays after the Alabama fumble, but an attempted flea flicker did not work out at all, as the fumble on the handoff resulted in a loss of seven yards. Michigan was able to scoot up to set up a 49-yard field goal, but James Turner’s kick hooked left and was no good.
It was the latest special teams mistake for the Wolverines, who had a muffed punt turn into an Alabama touchdown in the first quarter, and bad snap led to a failed extra point attempt in the second quarter. –Jordan Mendoza
Just when it looked like the Crimson Tide could take complete control, a mistake happens.
Jalen Milore tried to get past the Michigan defense on a read option when he began to stumble. The ball then got stripped out by Michigan’s Quinten Johnson. The ball bounced and Michigan’s Josh Wallace pounced on the ball, a costly Alabama mistake in the final quarter.
Michigan starts its drive near midfield, giving a stagnant offense a chance to move the ball.
Alabama’s defense has locked in. And that’s bad news for Michigan.
The Wolverines offense responded to Alabama’s go-ahead touchdown with their second straight three-and-out. Michigan has gained just 23 yards on 10 plays since the second half began. -Safid Deen
The Tide are now rolling.
The great field position led to Alabama getting back in the end zone, with a touchdown in the first 30 seconds of the fourth quarter makes it a 17-13 Crimson Tide lead.
Starting at its own 45-yard line, Alabama relied on the legs of Jalen Milroe to get the offense into the red zone, including a 18-yard run to get Alabama to the three-yard line. On the next play, Jase McClellan waltz into the end zone for his second touchdown of the day.
Milroe ran for 37 of the 55 yards on the touchdown drive, and despite getting sacked five times on Monday, Alabama has 117 rushing yards on the day. –Jordan Mendoza
For fans of a defensive struggle, this game is for you.
After both offenses were able to move the ball a bit in the first half, both defenses stepped up to prevent scoring in the third quarter, with Michigan leading ‘Bama by 3 entering the fourth quarter.
J.J. McCarthy has been a bit off on recent drives, missing a few gimme throws while Alabama’s secondary has been coming up big. Entering the fourth, Alabama has a scoring opportunity.
Alabama defense keeping it a one-score game
It hasn’t been the prettiest start to the second half for the Alabama offense, but the defense is keeping it a one-possession game with the Michigan offense unable to do much.
On its opening drive of the second half, Michigan was only able to get one first down before it punted the ball. After Alabama went three-and-out, Michigan also went three-and-out in what is turning into a field position battle between the two teams.
Alabama will get great field position late in the third quarter, starting with the ball at its 45-yard line.
In the third quarter, there’s been 56 total yards in 21 plays from both sides. –Jordan Mendoza
Bad snaps doom Alabama’s opening second half drive
Seth McLaughlin would like to forget the Crimson Tide’s opening drive of the third quarter, as the center’s bad snaps led to the offense stalling.
Alabama picked up some first downs to open the second half, a promising start for the team with them getting into Michigan territory. But McLaughlin snapped the ball too early on the next play, and the errant snap was pounced on by Jalen Milroe for a 13-yard loss. On the next play, McLaughlin had another bad snap that led to a six-yard loss, setting up a long third down play.
Alabama was unable to get the long play, and punted it back to Michigan. –Jordan Mendoza
Rose Bowl odds at halftime
Here’s how the Rose Bowl betting odds have changed at halftime before the second half (per BetMGM):
- Spread: Michigan (-3.5). Pregame: Michigan -1.5).
- Moneyline: Michigan (-115) or Alabama (-110). Pregame (-120) or Alabama (+100).
- Over/under: 45.5. It moved up a point from 44.5 before the game.
It’s halftime at the Rose Bowl, and Michigan is in the lead.
Michigan, the No. 1 team in the country, has a 13-10 lead over No. 4 Alabama at halftime in the first of two College Football Playoff semifinal games on Monday.
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has two touchdown passes to lead the way, including a 38-yard catch from Tyler Morris to take the lead with 3:49 left in the first half.
Jim Harbaugh was pleased with Michigan’s defensive effort.
“Really good. I love the three-and-outs we’ve got on defense. We’ve put pressure on the quarterback. We’ve covered the back end pretty well,” he said at halftime.
Alabama relied on an early 34-yard touchdown run by Jase McClellan, and a 50-yard field goal by kicker Will Reichard with seven seconds left before halftime.
“The big thing is we got to protect the passer. We’ve been sacked five or six times, and those are all drive stoppers,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said at halftime.
“So, we got to run the ball more effectively, we have to mix it up, we have to move the pocket a little bit and get them blocked up front because I think we have some plays down the field.”
Alabama will start the second half on offense. –Safid Deen
Alabama adds field goal right before halftime
Alabama looked to be heading toward tying or possibly taking the lead before halftime, but the Michigan defensive line continues to wreak havoc.
Jalen Milroe was able to use his arm and legs to get the Crimson Tide into Michigan territory, but on a third-and-three, Michigan’s Derrick Moore got to Milroe for the fifth Wolverine sack in the first half.
It put Alabama back, but SEC special teams player of the year Will Reichard saved the drive, perfectly knocking in a 50-yard field goal with seconds left in the second quarter to make it a 13-10 Michigan lead. –Jordan Mendoza
Tyler Morris turned on the Jets and burned the Tide.
Scoring for the first time since the first quarter, Michigan passer J.J. McCarthy followed up some wizardry with a TD pass to Morris. Morris, though, did a lot of the work, taking the ball to the house after tiptoeing down the sidelines and extending the ball just over the pylon.
A botched snap on the extra point would cost Michigan, putting the Wolverines up by 6 points instead of 7. –Joe Rivera
J.J. McCarthy got a face full of grass, but it was worth it.
The Wolverines dialed up a trick play with Donovan Edwards taking a handoff, but throwing a backward pass to McCarthy. McCarthy barely got a hold of the ball with a one-handed catch and threw it before he got hit, finding Roman Wilson streaking toward the sideline for a 20-yard pass.
McCarthy was slow to get up from the hit, but he was able to stay in. He and his teammates came to help pick off the grass stuck inside his facemask.
Michigan is overpowering the Alabama offensive line, sacking Jalen Milroe twice to open the second quarter to give the unit four sacks in the game already.
Michael Barrett and Kris Jenkins got back-to-back sacks on Milroe, which set up a long third down the Crimson Tide weren’t able to convert.
Alabama punted it back to Michigan after its third three-and-out of the day, and the protection will need to improve if the Crimson Tide want to get back to scoring. Alabama came into the game as one of the worst teams in the country in preventing sacks, giving up 3.3 sacks a game this season, ranking 115th in the country. –Jordan Mendoza
The opening quarter of the 2024 Rose Bowl had a bit of everything: Controversy, close calls, missed calls and more.
The Crimson Tide and the Wolverines head into the second quarter tied at 7 apiece, with touchdowns from Michigan standout running back Blake Corum and Alabama back Jase McClellan.
After a J.J. McCarthy near-INT opened up the game, there was more hijinks afoot, with the Wolverines muffing a punt that led to the McClellan score.
Aside from that, both defenses came to play. Don’t expect a high-scoring affair in Pasadena. -Joe Rivera
Michigan responds with Blake Corum touchdown
After a mistake lead to an Alabama touchdown, Michigan was able to get on the board with another touchdown from FBS scoring leader Blake Corum.
The running back did most of the work on the drive, getting the offense going with a 21-yard run on the second play of the possession.
Facing a fourth-and-1 in Alabama territory, Jim Harbaugh opted to keep the offense on the field, and it paid off with Blake Corum running for four yards through the middle to keep the drive alive.
The Michigan momentum continued with the Wolverines continuing to go down the field, and J.J. McCarthy was able to find Corum wide open in the endzone for an eight-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
Corum accounted for 41 of the 75 yards on the 10-play scoring drive, and gave the senior another score to what already has been a touchdown frenzy for him this season. It was his 25th touchdown this season, the most in the country. -Jordan Mendoza
Alabama strikes first after Michigan muffs punt
The first official mistake of the game comes from the Wolverines.
After forcing Alabama to punt on its opening drive, Semaj Morgan couldn’t cleanly secure the ball on the catch. A massive dogpile ensued, and Alabama’s Quandarrius Robinson came up with the ball to give the offense possession at the Michigan 44-yard line.
The offense was much more efficient this time around, doing all of its damage on the ground, capped off with a Jase McClellan run for 34 yards into the end zone. The Crimson Tide now lead 7-0 just over five minutes into the semifinal. –Jordan Mendoza
Michigan sacks Jalen Milroe twice on opening drive
The Michigan defensive line broke right through the line, and Braiden McGregor sacked Jalen Milroe for 13 yards on the Crimson Tide’s first offensive play.
The pressure got to Milroe again a few plays later, with Josaiah Stewart getting an 11-yard sack to force a three-and-out. – Jordan Mendoza
The Crimson Tide almost had the perfect start.
Michigan began the Rose Bowl with the ball, but it appeared to be a disaster to start as J.J. McCarthy was picked off Alabama’s Caleb Downs on the first play of the game.
However, the play was reviewed, and Downs was out of bounds on the catch, giving the Wolverines a big break. They weren’t able to do much, going three-and-out on the opening drive and punting it to Alabama. – Jordan Mendoza
How to watch Michigan vs. Alabama in the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Like most years, ESPN will have a megacast of all the action from the semifinal, giving viewers different ways to watch the game. Options include Field Pass with “The Pat McAfee Show,” which will have alternate commentary and guests on the game, and the skycast camera just above the field. Here are the other options to watch the game, and where to watch it:
- ESPN: Main broadcast
- ESPN2: Field Pass with “The Pat McAfee Show”
- ESPNEWS: Skycast – above the field and typically behind the offense
- ESPNU: Command center – a multi-angle presentation with stats
- ESPN App: All-22 camera
- ESPN App: Michigan home radio broadcast
- ESPN App and SEC Network: Alabama home radio broadcast
What New Year’s Day college football games are on today?
Here are the kickoff times and TV info for the Jan. 1 bowl games, including the College Football Playoff matchups.
- ReliaQuest Bowl: Wisconsin vs. No. 13 LSU, ESPN2, 12 p.m.
- Citrus Bowl: No. Iowa vs. No. 23 Tennessee, ABC, 1 p.m.
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 20 Liberty vs. No. 8 Oregon, ESPN, 1 p.m.
- College Football Playoff semifinal (Rose Bowl): No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 1 Michigan, ESPN, 5 p.m.
- College Football Playoff semifinal (Sugar Bowl): No. 3 Texas vs. No. 2 Washington, ESPN, 8 p.m.
BOWL LINEUP: Complete schedule/results for every postseason game
Here are our College Football Playoff semifinal expert picks:
- Scooby Axson: Alabama
- Jace Evans: Alabama
- Paul Myerberg: Alabama
- Erick Smith: Alabama
- Eddie Timanus: Alabama
- Dan Wolken: Alabama
College Football Playoff: Rose Bowl odds
The Michigan Wolverines are favorites to defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide, according to BetMGM odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps, including the new ESPN BET app.
- Spread: Michigan (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Michigan (-120); Alabama (+100)
- Over/under: 44.5
If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. Our college football betting guide can help you get started, and we have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
Is Jim Harbaugh coaching in the Rose Bowl?
The Wolverines will have their head coach in the semifinal matchup, as Jim Harbaugh will be on the sidelines in Pasadena.
Harbaugh has missed six games this season due to suspension, starting with Michigan’s first three games of the season against East Carolina, UNLV and Bowling Green. The suspension was self-imposed by Michigan, as Harbaugh reportedly faces punishment from the NCAA over the investigation into possible recruiting violations and misleading NCAA investigators. He returned for the Big Ten opener against Rutgers.
As a result of the sign-stealing scandal, Harbaugh was suspended by the Big Ten for the final three games of the regular season, missing the contests against Penn State, Maryland and rival Ohio State, all of which were wins. The 59-year-old coach returned for the Wolverines in the Big Ten Championship Game against Iowa.
What uniforms will Michigan, Alabama wear in the Rose Bowl?
Two traditional blue bloods will sport their traditional threads inside the Rose Bowl on Monday. Alabama will sport its red helmet with white jersey and pants, while Michigan will don its classic blue and maize helmet with blue jerseys and maize pants. Michigan is also going with a retro detail with the Rose Bowl patch on the shoulder pads in honor of the 1998 national championship team.
How did Michigan get into the College Football Playoff?
Even with all of the scandals surrounding the program, Michigan didn’t lose focus en route to a perfect season that was capped with a third-straight Big Ten title.
In their 13-0 season, the Wolverines have been dominant on both sides of the ball. The offense’s 36.7 points per game is 14th in the country, while the scoring defense is first with only 9.5 points per game allowed, and the only team giving up less than 10 points per game. Michigan has won its games by an average scoring margin of 27.2 points, the best in FBS.
Michigan defeated previously unbeaten Ohio State 30-24 in the regular season finale for its third-straight victory over its rival and clinched a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. There, the Wolverines shutout Iowa 26-0.
With Georgia’s loss in the SEC Championship Game, Michigan moved up to No. 1 in the College Football Playoff ranking, its first time being ranked first since 1997.
How did Alabama get into the College Football Playoff?
The odds seemed slim, but Alabama was able to get back into the playoff after a less-than-ideal start to the season.
Alabama fell to Texas and had quarterback issues early in the season, but the team righted the ship with Jalen Milroe taking over the starting duties heading into SEC play. The Crimson Tide rattled off 11 straight wins after the 1-1 start, capturing another SEC West title to face the back-to-back defending champion Georgia Bulldogs.
In the SEC Championship Game, Alabama stunned Georgia by knocking off the Bulldogs. The win proved to be the difference in the College Football Playoff, with the Crimson Tide going from No. 7 in the rankings to sneaking in at No. 4, the first time a team ranked higher than sixth heading into the final rankings release made it in.
Michigan College Football Playoff history
The Rose Bowl will mark Michigan’s third-straight appearance in the playoff, but its luck hasn’t been the best. The Wolverines are 0-2 in playoff games, losing to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl last season.
Here is the history of Michigan in the College Football Playoff:
- 2021 Orange Bowl (semifinal): Loss to Georgia, 34-11
- 2022 Fiesta bowl (semifinal): Loss to TCU, 51-45
Alabama College Football Playoff history
Since the College Football Playoff was introduced in 2014, no one has been more than Alabama.
The Crimson Tide will be making a record eighth appearance in the playoff, as they’ve been in every edition of it except for 2019 and 2022. Alabama also has nine wins in the College Football Playoff and three championships, the most in the playoff’s history.
Here is what Alabama finished in each College Football Playoff appearance:
- 2014-15: Loss to Ohio State in semifinal
- 2015-16: National championship
- 2016-17: Loss to Clemson in national championship game
- 2017-18: National championship
- 2018-2019: Loss to Clemson in national championship game
- 2020-21: National championship
- 2021-22: Loss to Georgia in national championship game
Michigan vs. Alabama series history
The 2024 Rose Bowl will be the sixth time Alabama and Michigan have met on the football field, with the Crimson Tide holding a 3-2 advantage in the series.
The two school’s have mostly met in bowl games, including their most recent meeting in the 2020 Citrus Bowl. Alabama won that game 35-16. Here is the series history between the two powerhouses:
- 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl: Michigan 28, Alabama 24
- 1997 Outback Bowl: Alabama 17, Michigan 14
- 2000 Orange Bowl: Michigan 35, Alabama 34
- 2012: Alabama 41, Michigan 14 in Arlington, Texas
- 2020 Citrus Bowl: Alabama 35, Michigan 16
Monday’s matchup will also be between the schools with the most wins in college football history. Michigan has the most with 1,002 wins, while Alabama is second with 965.
Jim Harbaugh has led Michigan to arguably its biggest heights
Winners of three outright Big Ten championships in a row, something never before achieved in program history.
Three wins in a row against rival Ohio State for the first time since 1995-97.
Three consecutive appearances in the College Football Playoff.
Win or lose in the Rose Bowl matchup on New Year’s Day against Alabama, three top-five finishes in a row for the first time in the poll era.
Even without a national championship on the ledger, it’s possible to view this as the most accomplished three-year run in the modern era of Michigan football.
– Read more from Paul Myerberg here.
Alabama maintains secrecy ahead of Michigan matchup
The Connor Stalions effect is apparently still affecting Michigan’s opponents.
During Thursday’s media session to kick off College Football Playoff semifinal week at the Rose Bowl, multiple Alabama players said that the coaching staff had been restricting them from bringing their iPads home to review practice film and were only watching collectively in position groups as a security precaution.
It’s unclear exactly why Alabama is going to such lengths, as the sign-stealing allegations against Michigan this season centered on Stalions deploying a network of associates to film the sidelines of opponents and potential opponents during games in an attempt to decode signals. In-person scouting is prohibited by NCAA rules.
But Alabama’s departure from its normal preparation is notable, given the focus on Michigan’s alleged espionage capabilities during the season.
– Read more from Dan Wolken here.
College Football Fix
There was controversy when the College Football Playoff semifinals pairings were announced earlier this month, but the matchups might be the best in the playoff era.
The first showdown on New Year’s Day will see Michigan face off with Alabama in the Rose Bowl. The nightcap has Texas and Washington clashing in the Sugar Bowl. Which teams will prevail and advance to the national title game in Houston on Jan. 8?
Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports discuss these topics and more in this week’s version of the College Football Fix.
Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
