Top-ranked Michigan stages a late comeback to shock No. 4 Alabama in overtime, securing a spot in the national title game.
J.J. McCarthy showcased an impressive performance, throwing for 221 yards and three touchdowns, as Michigan orchestrated a dramatic comeback in the fourth quarter to stun Alabama 27-20 in overtime during an exhilarating College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, witnessed by a crowd of 96,371.
In a game held at the “Grand Daddy of Them All,” the Rose Bowl lived up to its reputation, delivering one of the most memorable college football playoff contests. With Michigan trailing 20-13 and just over three minutes left, McCarthy guided a crucial eight-play, 75-yard drive. The drive featured a pivotal fourth-and-2 conversion that leveled the score at 20-20, forcing the game into overtime. This marked only the second overtime finish in the 110 editions of the Rose Bowl game.
ROMAN WILSON WALKS IT IN TO TIE THE GAME‼️
WE GOT OURSELVES A GAME ON ESPN 🍿 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/evJdfxOnQG
— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024
In overtime, Alabama won the toss and chose to begin on defense. Despite their defense playing a crucial role throughout the game, it quickly succumbed as soon as overtime commenced. Blake Corum’s 17-yard run on the second play of overtime propelled the Wolverines into a 27-20 lead.
BLAKE CORUM COULD NOT BE STOPPED‼️
Michigan takes the lead in OT 👀 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/FfeVQlHAAQ
— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024
Alabama advanced the ball to the three-yard line during their overtime possession. However, quarterback Jalen
Milroe’s sneak attempt was thwarted, and Michigan held on for the victory.
JALEN MILROE IS STOPPED ON 4TH DOWN😱
THE WOLVERINES ARE HEADED TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/X2x3tPzwqr
— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024
Michigan, boasting a perfect 14-0 record, will advance to the National Championship Game on January 8 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. They will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl clash between No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas.
The anticipated matchup, initially expected to showcase two of the nation’s premier offenses, unexpectedly turned into a defensive battle on Monday night.
In the opening play of the game, Alabama believed they had intercepted J.J. McCarthy, but a replay review revealed that the defensive back had stepped out of bounds before making the interception. The overturned call deflated the Crimson Tide’s initial momentum. However, it was only a matter of time before senior running back Jase McClellan broke free, dashing down the right-hand side for a 34-yard touchdown, giving Alabama an early 7-0 lead.
JASE MCCLELLAN AND BAMA STRIKE FIRST IN PASADENA‼️#CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/KdmAVKPTr4
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2024
Tyler Morris hauled in the initial touchdown pass from J.J. McCarthy for Michigan. McCarthy’s stellar performance earned him the Rose Bowl Offensive Player of the Game Award.
TYLER MORRIS TIP-TOES INTO THE END ZONE FOR MICHIGAN 😲#CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/r8UweoCjdg
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2024
Michigan led 13-10 at the half before Alabama recaptured the lead thanks to McClellan early in the fourth quarter.
ALABAMA RETAKES THE LEAD IN THE 4TH 😤
📺: ESPN | #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/xTGrY1eEWs
— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024
