What’s at stake, who’s better, key matchup to watch, TV info and what the 2024 Rose Bowl Game
When: Monday, 2 p.m.
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/radio: ESPN / ESPN Radio
Line: Michigan by 2 points
Notable injuries: MICHIGAN: QUESTIONABLE: QB J.J. McCarthy (undisclosed), QB Davis Warren (undisclosed), OUT: OL Zak Zinter (leg), WR Karmello English (undisclosed), RB CJ Stokes (undisclosed), WR Logan Forbes (undisclosed); ALABAMA: QUESTIONABLE: RB Jase McClellan (foot)
What’s at stake?: The winner will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the winner of the Sugar Bowl (No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas). Michigan is looking to claim its 12th national championship this season and the first at Michigan since the 1997 team finished at the top of the final AP Poll. The Crimson Tide is looking to win its 19th national championship and the seventh under Alabama coach Nick Saban.
Who’s better?: Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines are making their third consecutive semifinal appearance but have failed to advance in the last two years. Saban enters Monday’s game with a 6-1 record in semifinal games. Michigan has the top-ranked defense in the country, allowing just 239.7 yards per game and 14 touchdowns in 13 games this season.
Matchup to watch: Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy vs. Alabama’s secondary. It will be important for the Crimson Tide’s cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry to lock down the Michigan receivers and create opportunities for the defensive front to pressure McCarthy and force a turnover. McCarthy admitted this week that he’d been banged up in the final games of the season.
Michigan wins if: The Wolverines have to start fast and score points to build confidence early. McCarthy will have to shake off his late-season struggles where he’s thrown just one touchdown during the final five-game stretch of the season. If he can’t produce through the air, he will have to generate some production as a runner and find his tight ends Colston Loveland and AJ Barner with short to intermediate passes.
Alabama wins if: The Alabama defense must create turnovers in the secondary when McCarthy tries to throw the ball and control the game by putting the ball back in the hands of quarterback Jalen Milroe. Milroe provides a dual-threat ability and can use his legs to keep the offense moving and the Wolverines guessing. Milroe will be most effective if he can continue to protect the ball while trying to create or extend a play.
Prediction: Alabama 21, Michigan 17. Saban will continue his dominant run on the biggest stage in college football, ending Michigan’s undefeated season and handing the Wolverines a third consecutive CFP semifinal loss.
