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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Michigan led 13-10 at the half before Alabama recaptured the lead thanks to McClellan early in the fourth quarter.
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