PASADENA, CA – On a picturesque New Year’s Day in Pasadena, two of college football’s most storied programs faced off in a classic Rose Bowl matchup. The top-ranked Michigan Wolverines and the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide battled for a spot in the national championship, with Michigan prevailing 27-20 in overtime.
It was a hard-fought contest between two titans of the sport that came down to the final play. For Michigan, the win caps off a storybook 14-0 season after overcoming adversity. The Wolverines bring their perfect record to the title game in search of their first championship in nearly 30 years. Alabama fell just short at 12-2, unable to add to head coach Nick Saban’s record of seven national crowns.
In a game filled with drama from start to finish, here are the key moments that defined this instant classic:
Overtime Heroics
After forcing a three-and-out to start overtime, Michigan wasted no time taking the lead. Running back Blake Corum burst through the Alabama defense for a 17-yard touchdown run on just the second play. The score put the Wolverines up 27-20 after the PAT, applying pressure to the Crimson Tide.
Needing a touchdown to keep their hopes alive, Alabama methodically drove down to the 3-yard line. But on fourth down, Michigan’s defense rose to the occasion, stopping quarterback Jalen Milroe short of the goal line to clinch the thrilling 27-20 victory.
Fourth Quarter Fireworks
In a back-and-forth final period, both teams took turns grabbing the lead. Alabama running back Jase McClellan’s 3-yard touchdown early in the quarter gave the Tide their first advantage at 17-13.
But Alabama’s next two drives ended in turnovers, keeping Michigan in the game. Linebacker Josh Wallace recovered a fumble forced by Quinten Johnson to set up a field goal try. Later, Will Reichard booted a 52-yarder to extend the Tide’s lead to 20-13.
With time winding down, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy led a clutch drive, finding Roman Wilson for a 29-yard pickup before connecting with him again for a 4-yard tying touchdown with just over a minute left. The score sent the game to overtime knotted at 20.
Tactical Adjustments
After Michigan’s dominant defense stifled Alabama early, the Crimson Tide adjusted and controlled the time of possession in the second half. Quarterback Jalen Milroe’s mobility helped Alabama extend drives and keep the Wolverines’ dangerous offense off the field.
Michigan also tweaked its game plan, putting more trust in McCarthy’s arm. After relying heavily on the ground game early, the Wolverines had success passing against the Tide’s stingy run defense late in the game. McCarthy’s ability to evade pressure and improvise was a key factor, especially on the tying fourth-quarter drive.
Big Plays and Near Misses
As with any close contest, the outcome hinged on a handful of pivotal moments. A near sack that Milroe escaped and turned into a first down led to Alabama’s go-ahead score. For Michigan, McCarthy’s acrobatic one-handed catch ignited a second-quarter touchdown drive.
The Wolverines also narrowly avoided potential disaster in the closing seconds when returner James Thaw recovered his own muff at the 1-yard line. In overtime, every yard counted as both teams battled for every inch in the classic heavyweight slugfest.
In the end, Michigan made just enough plays to come out on top in an all-time Rose Bowl thriller. The Wolverines now march on to the national title game to take on the winner of the Fiesta Bowl in another playoff classic.