Alabama football experienced a tough loss in the Rose Bowl this Monday, facing heartbreak as the Crimson Tide succumbed to Michigan in a 27-20 overtime defeat, marking the end of their 2023 college football season.
In a nail-biting moment during overtime, quarterback Jalen Milroe faced a challenging task of reaching the end zone from just 3 yards out on fourth-and-goal. Unfortunately, the attempt fell short, and the Crimson Tide had to witness the Wolverines celebrating their historic entry into the CFP national championship game for the first time in the program’s history.
Alabama faced a tough challenge in the trenches, giving up six sacks to Michigan’s relentless defence. Just when it seemed like the momentum was shifting in Alabama’s favour with a 17-13 lead in the third quarter and the opportunity to advance into Michigan territory, quarterback Jalen Mulroe’s unfortunate fumble changed the course of the game. The turnover handed the ball back to Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and from that point onwards, Alabama struggled to find the end zone for another touchdown.
Alabama vs. Michigan – The Numbers Behind the Showdown
Alabama started strong in the first quarter with 7 points, added 3 more in the second, but faced a scoreless third quarter. In the fourth quarter, they managed to put up 10 points, forcing the game into overtime. Unfortunately, Alabama couldn’t secure any points in the extra period, ending with a total of 20. On the other hand, Michigan kept a consistent pace, scoring 7 points in each of the first, second, and fourth quarters. Their additional 6 points in the second quarter proved crucial, leading them to a 27-20 victory in overtime.
Here were the highlights from an instant classic between two of college football’s most storied programs.
Overtime
Michigan’s running back, Blake Corum, showcased his skills by swiftly propelling the Wolverines into the end zone with just two plays. Starting with an impressive eight-yard rush, Corum deftly maneuvered around and through Alabama defenders, capping off the drive with a 17-yard touchdown. The successful PAT elevated Michigan’s score to 27-20, securing a crucial lead in the game.
Fourth Quarter
In the early moments of the fourth quarter, Jase McClellan’s impressive three-yard touchdown run propelled Alabama into the lead. Following a successful PAT, the Crimson Tide found themselves ahead with a score of 17-13. Notably, Jalen Milroe played a key role in setting up this crucial score, contributing 37 rushing yards on three carries to pave the way for McClellan’s touchdown.
Alabama regained possession following a punt, but unfortunately, the momentum took a hit when Milroe fumbled the ball at midfield, courtesy of a powerful hit from Quinten Johnson. The loose ball was swiftly recovered by Michigan’s Josh Wallace, shifting the tide of possession in favor of the Wolverines.
Despite the Wolverines’ opportunity to respond, they faced a setback after missing a 49-yard field goal attempt. Seizing the chance, Alabama then orchestrated an impressive drive, covering nine plays and 35 yards. The drive culminated in Will Reichard’s pivotal 52-yard field goal, adding crucial points to Alabama’s score.
In a critical moment for Michigan, they confronted a 4th-and-2 situation from their own 33-yard line with just 3:19 left on the clock. J.J. McCarthy delivered a clutch 27-yard pass to Blake Corum, securing a crucial first down. Unfortunately, the play was marred by a holding penalty, retracting the ball back to midfield and posing a challenge for the Wolverines.
Continuing their drive, McCarthy made a key connection with Roman Wilson, covering 29 yards and placing the ball at the Alabama five-yard line. This set the stage for a 1st-and-goal situation with just 1:45 remaining in the game, intensifying the pressure on the Crimson Tide defense.
In the following two plays, Wilson showcased his skills once again by securing a four-yard touchdown pass. With the successful PAT, Michigan managed to level the score at 20, adding more tension and excitement to the already intense matchup.
Just two plays later, Wilson made a crucial catch in the end zone, hauling in a four-yard touchdown pass. With the extra point successfully converted, Michigan leveled the game at 20 points apiece. The scoreboard now reflected a tight and evenly matched contest.
The game marched into overtime, but not without a heart-stopping moment for the Wolverines. Alabama, attempting a game-winning drive, fell short before reaching midfield, forcing them to punt and giving Michigan a chance to regroup. The tension in the air was palpable as both teams geared up for the overtime showdown.
James Burnip unleashed a powerful 51-yard punt, causing a bit of chaos as Michigan returner James Thaw fumbled the catch. In a tense moment, Thaw managed to regain control of the ball right at the 1-yard line, narrowly escaping a swarm of oncoming Alabama special teams players. The field position added an extra layer of suspense to an already dramatic game.
Third Quarter
In a display of agility and determination, Jalen Milroe skillfully dodged a relentless pass rush from Michigan, narrowly avoiding a potential sack. His impressive maneuver included a 10-yard run that not only kept the drive alive but also secured a crucial first down for Alabama. Milroe’s quick thinking and athleticism played a key role in the eventual touchdown drive.
Second Quarter
Michigan flirted with disaster on a trick play that nearly went awry, but J.J. McCarthy turned the situation around with some magic. Executing a one-handed catch on a backward pass, McCarthy showcased remarkable skill. Despite facing pressure, he followed it up with a well-placed pass, securing a first down and turning what could have been a mishap into an impressive play for Michigan.
First Quarter
Michigan’s top-ranked defense entered the game with a bang, notching two sacks on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe right out of the gate. However, a crucial moment occurred when a muffed punt handed the Crimson Tide a fresh opportunity with a shortened field, adding a twist to the early dynamics of the matchup.
In just four plays, senior running back Jase McClellan wasted no time in propelling Alabama to an early lead with a spectacular 34-yard touchdown run. His swift and impactful contribution set the tone for the Crimson Tide’s offensive prowess in the early stages of the game.
In a swift response, the Wolverines took charge on the next possession. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy played a pivotal role in orchestrating a 10-play, 75-yard drive that concluded with a touchdown pass to Blake Corum. Michigan’s efficient offensive execution demonstrated their resilience and ability to strike back, keeping the game competitive.