Michigan's defense holds off Alabama in OT 27-20

After back-to-back losses in the CFP semifinals Michigan finally got it done. It was a thrilling performance by the top-ranked team in the country in the 2024 Rose Bowl, where they won by 27-20 in overtime against the Alabama Crimson Tide, after falling behind in the fourth quarter. This sent the Wolverines to their first national championship game this century. 

Michigan controlled the first half and Alabama controlled the second half with the Wolverines needing a touchdown in the fourth which was the final score in regulation with the Wolverines forcing a Bama punt on their last possession in regulation where disaster almost struck for the Wolverines as they muffed the punt on the 1-yard line and recovered. Which led us to OT.

As a result of a back-and-forth game, running back Blake Corum scored a 17-yard touchdown on the second play of overtime. He delivered the punch to stun Bama. Alabama drove to the 3-yard line on its overtime possession. However, Josiah Stewart and the Wolverine defense stopped Jalen Milore 2 yards short of the goal line. This was the knockout punch to end the game.

After completing 17/27 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns, Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy was named the Rose Bowl offensive MVP. Michigan will play the Huskies in the National Championship game.