They didn’t seem thrilled.
Michigan held a watch party during Sunday’s College Football Playoff selection show and was left in elation as their team was ranked No. 1 in the nation. However, the mood quickly shifted when they saw who they would play in the Rose Bowl.
There was little to no doubt that the Wolverines would get the top spot, but all eyes were on who would be selected No. 4. It would come down to an undefeated Florida State squad or a one-loss SEC champion Alabama team. Either way, someone was going to get snubbed. When it was announced that the Tide got the last spot, Michigan was not thrilled.
Michigan reacts to Alabama being selected at No. 4. Wolverines and Crimson Tide in the CFP semi. pic.twitter.com/V2mrgLQA3W
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 3, 2023
Michigan will take on Alabama in the Rose Bowl pic.twitter.com/obgheMS7oU
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) December 3, 2023
As soon as the announcement came through, groans could be heard from the crowd, along with a clear “Oh!” There was some light applause shortly afterward, but it’s clear that the Wolverines would much rather have drawn the Seminoles over Alabama.
Florida State overcame the loss of starting quarterback Jordan Travis in an underwhelming final stretch, including a narrow victory in the ACC title game. They defeated Louisville in an ugly 16–6 result on Saturday, while Alabama beat the then-No. 1 team, Georgia, to win the SEC the same day. The heavyweights will face off Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. on ESPN.
