Michigan began and ended the regular season without the services of its head coach.
On Monday, Jim Harbaugh was on the sidelines as the Wolverines defeated Alabama 27-20 for the right to play for the national title on Jan. 8.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with the Leishman Trophy after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime to win the CFP Rose Bowl semifinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)
In a thrilling overtime game, Michigan scored quickly on the first possession of overtime on a 17-yard run by senior Blake Corum. With the game on the line, the Wolverines’ defense took care of the rest.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The opening minutes for Michigan brought back memories of last year’s CFP loss to TCU, where turnovers proved to be the difference.
A near interception by Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs and a botched punt return recovery by the Crimson Tide, which ultimately resulted in a 34-yard scoring run by running back Jase McClellan, made Michigan look like it was reliving last year’s nightmare. .
But it was Harbaugh’s defense, which entered the contest allowing the fewest points per game, that turned the momentum back in Michigan’s favor.
Mike Sainristil #0 and Derrick Moore #8 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate in the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP Rose Bowl Semifinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Corum tied the score on a 75-yard drive as the defense took care of quarterback Jalen Milroe, sacking him five times in the first half, and Tyler Morris put Michigan ahead by dancing down the sideline for a catch. 38 yard touchdown.
FROM OUTKICK: PAT MCAFEE’S FURIOUS REFEREES DON’T MARK THE KICKER AGAINST MICHIGAN FOR CRUSHING THE ALABAMA PUNKER
But Alabama regained control in the second half, pressing against Michigan’s frustrating pressure. McClellan would get his second touchdown of the night on a three-yard run to give the Crimson Tide their second lead of the night.
Michigan’s JJ McCarthy responded, orchestrating an eight-play, 77-yard drive with just under two minutes remaining to tie the score with a four-yard pass to Roman Wilson and force overtime.
Corum made his claim to the Michigan history books with his 56th career touchdown, and Alabama simply couldn’t respond. At the Michigan 3, Milroe was stopped for no gain on a sneak up the middle on fourth down.
Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) scores on a 17-yard run to take the lead during overtime of the College Football Playoff semifinals hosted by the Rose Bowl game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, January 1. 2024. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
MICHIGAN’S JIM HARBAUGH GIVES HYPOTHETICAL RECRUITING RATING BEFORE ROSE BOWL: ‘JESUS WOULD HAVE BEEN A 5 STAR’
The Wolverines extended their winning streak to 13 this season, and while they are perfect on the field, Michigan has had its fair share of controversies off the field.
The Wolverines began their undefeated season without head coach Jim Harbaugh after he served a three-game suspension imposed by the school. NCAA recruiting violations. Then, as Michigan was entering its most challenging phase of the season, Harbaugh was again sidelined for three more games amid an investigation into a sign-stealing operation involving former low-level employee Connor Stalions.
Despite the media frenzy surrounding the program, Michigan didn’t miss a beat.
The Michigan Wolverines take the field before the CFP Rose Bowl semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Michigan went on to an 11-0 finish and won its third consecutive conference championship with a 26-0 rout of Iowa. Now the Wolverines will seek the school’s first national title since 1997.
Michigan will next face the winner of Texas vs. Washington in the CFP National Championship on January 8.
Fox News’ Joe Morgan contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
