The Michigan football program has been embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy, and speculators are ready to put an asterisk in the record books.
En route to winning the national championship, the Wolverines outlasted the Alabama Crimson Tide in a thrilling Rose Bowl, preventing Jalen Milroe from scoring in overtime that would have kept the game alive.
The Wolverines' stout defense stopped Alabama's quarterback at the line of scrimmage, putting them in the national championship game, where they would beat Washington.
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Jalen Milroe of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Makari Paige of the Michigan Wolverines during the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California. (Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Allegations of sign-stealing surfaced during the season, so it would be understandable if Milroe had a sour taste in his mouth.
It has that bitter taste, but not because he feels cheated, but quite the opposite.
Milroe said Michigan won “fair and square” and instead attributed the loss to “missed opportunities” by his team.
“We had opportunities that we should have taken advantage of in the game, but we didn't play at the level that we played,” Milroe told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.
“They won fairly, they deserved to win the national championship and that's something we have to reflect on in 2024 about the things we need to improve. They deserved it and they should have won.”
Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in overtime against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Bama led 20-13 with less than five minutes remaining in that Rose Bowl, but JJ McCarthy marched Michigan down the field and the Wolverines were able to force overtime.
Blake Corum ran 17 yards into the end zone to start overtime and Bama was unable to score when he received the ball.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe runs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Alabama. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)
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Michigan was officially notified this week of the NCAA's allegations regarding the alleged scheme. Former coach Jim Harbaugh and Connor Stalions, the alleged ringleader of the scheme, have denied any wrongdoing.
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