Jalen Milroe secured a low snap on fourth down in overtime at the Rose Bowl, running straight into a formidable Michigan defense, toughened by violent practice drills and the resilience forged through previous College Football Playoff losses. Impenetrable after months of program turmoil, Michigan’s defense halted Alabama’s quarterback, leading the Wolverines to victory.
In Pasadena, California, Blake Corum’s 17-yard touchdown rush on the second snap of overtime propelled top-seeded Michigan to a 27-20 triumph over fourth-seeded Alabama, earning them a spot in their first CFP championship game. Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines (14-0) will face Washington in Houston for a chance at their first national title since 1997.
Harbaugh praised the game as “glorious,” with Roman Wilson’s 4-yard TD catch in regulation and Corum’s overtime heroics contributing to the Wolverines’ comeback. J.J. McCarthy’s leadership in a gritty 75-yard drive set the stage for the thrilling finish, as Michigan celebrated their resilience and unbreakable spirit.
In the Sugar Bowl (CFP semifinal), (2/2) Washington secured a 37-31 victory over (3/3) Texas in New Orleans. Michael Penix Jr.’s 430 yards and two touchdowns guided the Huskies to the championship game against Michigan. The Huskies, leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten, aim for their first national title since 1991. The final four-team playoff, preceding the 2024 expansion to 12 teams, sets up a Pac-12-Big Ten showdown reminiscent of the first playoff. Texas, in their final Big 12 game before joining the SEC, fell short despite Quinn Ewers’ 318 yards and a touchdown pass.