Monday’s Rose Bowl matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and the Alabama Crimson Tide was a tight matchup throughout that came down to the final play in overtime. But it was ultimately Michigan that was able to keep their undefeated record on the year intact with some huge plays down the stretch.
Michigan found themselves with their back up against the wall several times in this matchup being held scoreless for much of the second half.
However, when it mattered most this resilient Michigan team came through. The Wolverines came up with a key touchdown with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter to tie the game and ultimately force overtime.
Michigan ties up the Rose Bowl with 1:34 to go! #CFP pic.twitter.com/B2FoNd67Jr
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 2, 2024
Michigan received the ball first in overtime and the Wolverines relied on what has gotten them to this point in the season, their dominant running game behind star running back Blake Corum.
Corum was able to break free for a 17-yard touchdown run to give Michigan the lead in overtime.
Blake Corum TD to give Michigan the lead in OT at the Rose Bowl! #CFP pic.twitter.com/E14i1sF5bu
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 2, 2024
It then came down to Michigan’s defense, the best in the country all season long, to come up with a stop in overtime when it came to Alabama’s overtime possession.
The Wolverines did just that, stopping Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe short of the goal line on a fourth-down run to punch their ticket to the National Championship.
" It's Williams in motion. Low snap. MILROE STOPPED. MICHIGAN MAKES A STAND AND COMES UP WITH A MILESTONE PLAYOFF VICTORY."
Chris Fowler on the call for the Final play of the Rose Bowl.
Michigan beats Alabama 27-20 in overtime. pic.twitter.com/NFjkAGZKiT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 2, 2024
It was a great game with an even better ending for fans watching at home. And many took to social media to praise Michigan for its timely play down the stretch of this game.
Absolutely fitting that the final snap was another low snap.
Michigan is headed to the College Football Championship. A fantastic ending.pic.twitter.com/SWCt9U3z33
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 2, 2024
Twenty four years ago tonight, Tom Brady led Michigan to a 35-34 overtime win over Alabama.
Twenty-four years later, Blake Corum leads Michigan to a 27-20 overtime win over Alabama.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 2, 2024
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen an in stadium eruption quite like Michigan after they just beat Alabama in overtime to go to the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Congrats Michigan! #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/AyjDGv7NUL
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) January 2, 2024
BALL GAME!!! #Michigan is going to the national championship game!! See yall in Houston!! #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/xQasdkDDp9
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) January 2, 2024
I CANT BELIEVE IT MAN MICHIGAN WINS AN INSTANT CLASSIC IN THE ROSE BOWL WITH ALL THE DISTRACTION GOING AROUND 😭😭😭 THIS IS WHAT WEVE BEEN WAITING FOR
— Championship Connoisseur (@UMvsEveryone) January 2, 2024
MICHIGAN IS HEADED TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP pic.twitter.com/XAiHaetKSx
— JM Football (@JomboyMediaFB) January 2, 2024
This victory for Michigan ends a seven-game losing streak in bowl games, a streak that dates back to 2015, the first year of Jim Harbaugh’s current coaching tenure with the team.
They will now patiently await the winner of the Sugar Bowl, who they will face in the National Championship. Should they win that game, it would be the first National Championship for the program since 1997.
[Awful Announcing on Twitter/X, Photo Credit: ESPN]
