Monday night in Pasadena, California, the Michigan Wolverines forced the game into overtime with a touchdown in the closing minutes of play.
Following a significant run by Blake Corum that gave the Maize and Blue the lead, the defense needed to make a crucial stop. On a fourth and goal, the defense successfully thwarted an attempted quarterback sneak, securing Michigan’s place in the college football championship.
Fans in Ann Arbor shared their thoughts on the excitement and energy in the city.
One fan, Jon, exclaimed, “I am all for ‘Go Blue.’ I think we are going to do it.”
Siddhartha, a University of Michigan student, expressed, “I am most looking forward to the energy here because it gets really loud, and I really enjoy that.”
Some fans gathered at local bars to watch the Rose Bowl game against Alabama, and Jayden Dewitt, manager of the Brown Jug, mentioned that even his staff had to pause and watch that final play.
“I was standing at this little half door right here and just peeking over looking at this TV. It was nuts. I gave a guy a hug right here,” said Dewitt.
Michigan is set to compete for the title at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 8. Bartender Annabelle Hubbard expressed their anticipation for the crowd expected to witness Michigan vie for the championship.
Hubbard stated, “I feel like it is going to be crazy; all of the students are going to be coming back to class next week, so I am sure there will be lines out the door, and the energy is going to be insane in Ann Arbor.”