Rose Bowl Recap - Michigan vs Alabama
I am not quite sure what to make of this game...
The College Football Playoff Semifinal at the 2024 Rose Bowl Game had hype like no other. So much controversy between the sign-stealing scandal of the #1 Michigan Wolverines and the debate on whether or not the #4 Alabama Crimson Tide had earned their spot over Florida State flooded the headlines. On the other hand, there was the expectation set by the history of these two football games that we, as a fanbase, could be about to witness one of the greatest college football games of all time. What more could you say than Michigan is playing Alabama in the Rose Bowl for the right to play in the 2024 National Championship Game next Monday.
1st Quarter:
Alabama deferred to the second half giving JJ McCarthy and the Wolverines the first offensive possession. Bands playing, music blaring, fans cheering, and it was finally game time. How would Michigan start against the Tide? An interception? Almost, but due to the Alabama defender stepping out of bounds, Michigan could catch their breath before going three and out. Now the question was about how Jalen Milroe and his offensive line would handle the pass rush. The answer? Horribly! Two big sacks helped the Michigan defense to a three and out. The Michigan special teams, however, took a little bit longer to get warmed up. A muffed punt setup Alabama quite nicely and, four plays later, Jase McClellan had a beautiful run into the end zone to give the Tide an early lead and stun the Wolverines. With some runs and a receiving touchdown into a confused Alabama secondary, Corum helped Michigan respond to their early woes with an equalizing touchdown. An Alabama three and out gave Michigan the ball back near the end of the first quarter.
2nd Quarter:
Michigan were unable to convert on third down to start the second quarter and it would once again be Alabama's turn to try and put some offense together. After two sacks in two plays (bringing the total to four), it was clear this game would be a bit more on the defensive side. Michigan and Alabama would then trade three and outs before Michigan finally put together a drive courtesy of McCarthy's arm and Corum's legs to reach the end zone. Once again, Michigan's special teams stepped up to ensure the game hung in the balance with a poor snap resulting in a failed extra point attempt. With time running out in the half, Alabama finally showed a glimmer of hope, nearing the red zone before Milroe got sacked for a fifth time and the Tide were forced to settle for a field goal.
The first half was a clear example of what happens in big games when players can feel the nerves. In many cases, teams will settle into the game in the second quarter and the simple mistakes would mostly die down. That did not appear to be the case in Pasadena.
3rd Quarter:
Alabama would receive the second half kickoff and start deep in their own territory. A confident looking drive to near midfield was halted when a pair of low, mistimed snaps resulted in a third-and-forever situation that was not converted, forcing the Tide to punt. Despite a fantastic sideline grab to save the three and out, Michigan would end up punting as well to start their third quarter. Alabama then went three and out. Michigan, on the other hand, also went three and out. The audience sat in wait to see who would be the first to put together an offensive drive in the second half.
4th Quarter:
The answer was Alabama. As the fourth quarter began, Alabama drove down the field and Jase McClellan scored his second touchdown of the night. With a whole quarter of football to play, there were still some early signs of despair for Michigan as their offense had struggled immensely coming out of the break. Michigan went three and out. At this point, Alabama could see the light at the end of the tunnel. If they could lead a scoring drive here, it could put the game to rest. Milroe, who had been sacked five times up to this point, decided to take matters into his own hands and run into space. In an attempt to juke out a Michigan defensive back, Milroe stumbled and lost the football. There was still hope for Michigan. Michigan kept the ball in field goal range, but their special teams were still at halftime as the attempt sailed left. Despite another Milroe sack, Alabama was able to put together a confident looking drive to setup a beautiful 52-yard field goal by Will Reichard to extend the lead to a touchdown. With time running out, Michigan needed to pull themselves together. McCarthy and Corum answered the call with a little help from Roman Wilson and 75 yards later, the Wolverines had tied the game with 94 seconds to play. With a chance to potentially drive and win the game, Alabama's offense was stood up in their own territory giving Michigan one last chance to win it in regulation. After yet another Wolverine special teams blunder, however, they found themselves lucky to escape to overtime without giving up a game-losing safety.
Overtime:
Michigan found a way to compose themselves offensively in overtime as they did at the end of regulation. A smashing run from Blake Corum on the second play put the Wolverines up first with Alabama still to respond. On second down, a heads up run play from Milroe gave them first and goal. After another tackle for loss, however, the Tide were behind the sticks with the game on the line once again. The miraculous end of the Iron Bowl came to mind as Alabama lined up on 4th and goal with everything to play for. This time, though, Milroe was 28 yards closer. A duel of timeouts added to the pressure of the moment and between another mistimed snap, a questionable playcall, and Milroe tripping over his offensive lineman as he barreled into the sea of defenders, Michigan got the stop that would send them into the National Championship game for the first time in the playoff era.
Final Score: Michigan 27, Alabama 20
Summary:
This game had the intensity of the Super Bowl with the execution of a High School season opener. With stakes this high, there are bound to be errors, but this felt a little bit on the excessive side. Between Michigan's special teams blunders and the Alabama offensive line having more holes than a fishing net, the game lacked the skill level many were hoping to witness. That said, the atmosphere was fantastic all throughout. An overtime game in the playoff is hard to top when it comes to excitement and intensity. It will be interesting to see how time will tell of this game and whether or not we see listed amongst the classics or if it will be forgotten story in years to come. Congratulations to the Michigan Wolverines on finally achieving playoff success and good luck next week in Houston.