Michigan began and ended the regular season without the services of its head coach.
On Monday, Jim Harbaugh was on the sidelines as wolverines defeated Alabama 27-20 for the right to play for the national title on January 8.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with the Leishman Trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime to win the CFP Rose Bowl semifinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, in California. (Harry Comment/Getty Images)
A thrilling overtime game saw Michigan score quickly on the opening OT possession with a 17-yard run by the senior. Blake Corum. With the game on the line, the Wolverines' defense took care of the rest.
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Michigan's opening minutes were reminiscent of CFP's loss to TCU last year, where turnovers proved to be the difference.
A near interception by Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs and a muffled punt return recovered by the Crimson Tide, which ultimately resulted in a 34-yard run by running back Jase McClellan – making it seem like Michigan was reliving last year's nightmare.
But it was Harbaugh's defense, which entered the contest allowing the fewest points per game, that swung 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 game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Kvork 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 gave Michigan the lead with his dance on along the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown.
But Alabama regained control in the second half, tightening up against Michigan's frustrating pass rush. McClellan would get his second touchdown of the evening on a three-yard run to give the Crimson Tide their second lead of the evening.
Michigan's JJ McCarthy responded, orchestrating an eight-play, 77-yard drive with just under two minutes left to tie the score with a four-yard pass to Roman Wilson and force overtime.
Corum claimed his place in the Michigan history books with his 56th career touchdown, and Alabama just couldn't answer. On the Michigan 3, Milroe was stopped for no gain on a sneak midway through fourth down.
Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) scores on a 17-yard run to go ahead during overtime of the College Football Playoff semifinals of 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)
The Wolverines extended their winning streak to 13 this season and, while perfect on the field, Michigan has had its share of controversies off the field.
The Wolverines began their undefeated season without head coach Jim Harbaugh after serving a three-game suspension imposed by the school. NCAA recruiting violations. Then, as Michigan entered its toughest phase of the season, Harbaugh was sidelined again for three more games amid an investigation into a sign-stealing operation involving a former staff member low level, Connor Stallions.
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 game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
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Michigan continued with an 11-0 record and won its third straight conference championship with a 26-0 rout of Iowa. Now the Wolverines will aim for 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.
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