Michigan Wolverines Defeat Alabama in Overtime, Headed to College Football Playoff Championship
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — In a thrilling and intense matchup at the Rose Bowl, the Michigan Wolverines secured a 27-20 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Monday night. The win marks Michigan’s first appearance in the CFP championship game.
The game was tied at 20-20 at the end of regulation, leading to an overtime period. Blake Corum, who rushed for 83 yards and caught a touchdown pass earlier in the game, sealed the win for the Wolverines with a 17-yard rushing touchdown on the second snap of overtime.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh praised the victory, calling it “glorious” and a “tremendous football game.” Harbaugh emphasized the resilience and unbreakable spirit of his team, which overcame a 11-game winning streak by Alabama to secure the win.
The Wolverines will now go on to face the winner of the game between Washington and Texas in the College Football Playoff championship, which will take place on January 8 in Houston.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the Wolverines and coach Harbaugh, who returned to his alma mater in 2015 with the goal of restoring the team’s dominance. The win also comes after a challenging season for the program, which was marred by suspensions and turmoil.
Michigan’s victory also ends Alabama’s hopes of a seventh national title under head coach Nick Saban. Despite the loss, Saban praised his team’s remarkable season and their accomplishments.
The Wolverines’ pristine record in the semifinal game emphasized the team’s resilience and their ability to rise to the occasion. The victory marks just the third overtime Playoff game and the sixth straight win for a No. 1 seed in the 10 years of the CFP’s existence.
The Wolverines’ victory was a testament to their resilience and fortitude, and they are now just one win away from achieving their primary goal under coach Harbaugh.
As they head to the championship game, the Wolverines are poised to make history and pursue the national title for the first time since 1997. Their journey to this point has been marked by determination and a “stick-togetherness” that has characterized the team throughout the season.
The Wolverines’ remarkable victory has captivated college football fans and set the stage for an exciting showdown in the College Football Playoff championship.