The Rose Bowl will host two of college football's most storied brands when No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama meet on New Year's Day with a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship on the line. It's hard to believe, but this will be only the sixth meeting between the two winningest teams in college football history. The last one was a stunning win for Alabama in the Citrus Bowl.
Michigan's path to this semifinal matchup was somewhat linear. The Wolverines marched through the first three quarters of their schedule without breaking a sweat, then beat top-10 Penn State by nine points before two close matchups over the next two weeks against upset-minded Maryland and one very Ohio State's talented team came. Michigan needed a last-second interception to defeat the Buckeyes and clinch a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game, where it held Iowa scoreless in a 26-0 victory.
In comparison, Alabama's journey has been full of twists and turns. The Crimson Tide suffered a major setback earlier in the year with a 34-24 home loss to fellow playoff team Texas. A week later, they beat USF by just two touchdowns and struggled against the likes of Texas A&M and Arkansas before evening things out against Tennessee, winning four of their last five regular season games by double digits. Alabama announced its return to the CFP by defeating Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, handing the Bulldogs their first loss since the 2021 season.
Follow LIVE UPDATES as Michigan takes on Alabama in the Rose Bowl CFP semifinal game.
How to watch Rose Bowl live
Date: Monday, January 1st | Time: 5 p.m. ET
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium – Pasadena, California
TV: ESPN | Live broadcast: Fubo (Try for free)
For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on Fubo's Pro, Elite, and Premier plans.
Three players to watch in the Rose Bowl
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe: Milroe won Alabama's starting quarterback job on shaky ground and was actually benched before a Week 3 win against USF. Since then, he has become one of college football's most electrifying players. He has committed just two turnovers in the last seven games and has scored a total of 17 touchdowns in Bama's last five regular season games. The 220-pound Milroe has elite arm talent and rushing ability that allowed him to post over 100 yards on the ground against Auburn and LSU. He will be a handful for Michigan's defense.
Michigan DB Mike Sainristil: A converted wide receiver, Sainristil is the heartbeat of a Michigan secondary that ranks second nationally in pass defense while allowing just 152.6 yards per game. As the Wolverines' starting nickelback, he excels at wiping out an opponent's slot receiver. He also apparently never lost his ball skills during his time as an offensive player; So far this season, he has thrown five interceptions, two of which he returned for a touchdown. It's rare for a slot corner to have such a game-changing ability.
Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner: Turner vs. Michigan's offensive line is an appointment viewing. The Wolverines, who won consecutive Joe Moore Awards in 2021-22, had another strong showing in 2023 but allowed just 18 sacks all season. Turner filled in for All-World defensive lineman Will Anderson Jr. and posted a career-high 14.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He has the makings of a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft, and a strong performance against Michigan could go a long way toward solidifying that status.
Rose Bowl Prediction, Tips
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
This has the makings of an all-out brawl. Both teams are loaded in the trenches, relying on heavy rushing attacks supported by a deep stable of running backs. Alabama's Milroe and Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy can both make plays with their legs and do a ton of passing work to improve play-action looks. Where Alabama has a noticeable advantage is outside the markers on both sides of the ball.
Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Bond is emerging as one of the sport's best playmakers, while Jermaine Burton is a favorite target of Milroe and is as consistent as can be. Michigan has a talented secondary, but Alabama has two likely first-round picks at corner in Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, while freshman safety Caleb Downs has all the makings of a future award winner. If Alabama can hold its own at the line of scrimmage – its offensive line in particular struggled earlier in the year – it is fully capable of winning this game outright. Prediction: Alabama +1.5
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