College Football Playoffs: Can Alabama upset Michigan in the Rose Bowl?
2024 is set to start with a bang as the College Football season heads towards it’s close. The first seeded Michigan Wolverines (13-0) will host the Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) in the Rose Bowl, with the winner heading to the CFB Championship game.
Michigan are one of two teams still undefeated and the Crimson Tide have just come off a huge upset win against the reigning champion Georgia Bulldogs. That 27-24 win for Alabama will give the confidence to upset the apple cart with Michigan’s offense slightly dropping in recent weeks.
The Wolverines come into this as favourites but only just following that big win for Bama.
Michigan Wolverines
The offense has stuttered recently with quarterback J.J. McCarthy not throwing for over 150 yards since the 41-13 win over Purdue. In the first nine weeks of the season, he mastered this feat on eight occasions so if he can return to that form then Michigan will be in with a great chance of progressing to the championship game. As a team they registered just 213 yards in their win over Iowa, with their defence stepping up to shutout their opponents.
Offensively they averaged 36.7 points per game and 380.5 yards per game. The defence is the strength of this team with them giving up just 9.5 points per game and under 240 yards per game. With their offense ranking middle of the pack statistically, they will be required to manage the game and drain time off the clock with the defence being lent on to stop Alabama from reaching the endzone.
Wide receiver Roman Wilson is certainly one to keep an eye on. He has found the endzone 11 times this season and despite only putting up 662 receiving yards, his ability to score a touchdown will be key to the Michigan offense. On the defensive side of the ball, Jaylen Harrell leads the team with 6.5 sacks and has forced two fumbles this season. The edge rusher is rapid with his first step and has great agility to break away from blockers.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s last two wins over Auburn and Georgia both finished 27-24. If they are to advance the offense will need to find a way to get into the endzone, whilst the defence needs to contain Michigan and get off the field as often as possible. QB Jalen Milroe is in his first year as a starter and put up 2718 yards and 23 touchdowns in the regular season. His ability to be tidy in possession has allowed the offense to flourish with him throwing just six interceptions.
Both offenses rank similarly with Bama’s averaging 35.1 points per game but being able to better the Wolverines with 401.2 yards per game. The defence ranks 17th with 18.4 points per game which is still strong but doesn’t compare to Michigan’s. Alabama will have to find a way on offense to take advantage of their time on the field.
The Tide’s defence has three projected first-rounders for next years draft, with a pair of cornerbacks looking to lock down the Michigan receivers. Terrion Arnold has registered five interceptions this season, with his great cover skills and big play ability he will be key to getting the defence off the field. Kool-Aid McKinstry alongside him is another great defensive back, being better in the zone game and is fantastic at disrupting receivers and contesting catches.
Dallas Turner is their elite edge rusher and should he get to McCarthy early then Michigan are in serious trouble. The Wolverines have got away with leaning on the run game this season, but this Alabama defence can cause serious issues for them.
My pick
There is a lot to like about this Alabama team and their defence, I personally don’t know if offense has quite enough to trouble the best defence in the country. Nick Saban having a month to prepare and playing at a neutral venue means they have every chance and that win over Georgia will see them not be phased by their opponent’s unbeaten record.
Michigan have found a way to just win this season regardless of what happens. Their offense can stagnate, but they are facing a similarly productive offense in Bama’s. Both defences will be solid and so this game is a case of who’s offense turns up.
As much as I want to go with Alabama, it is hard to look past Michigan. I am going for a 24-20 Michigan Wolverines win.
Game Details
The game will take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Kick off is at 5 pm ET (10pm GMT) on New Year’s Day. UK viewers can watch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and NFL channels.
