No. 1 Michigan beat No. 4 Alabama 27-20 in a rock fight overtime game. After an 0-6 record by Jim Harbaugh in the postseason (including an 0-2 record in the College Football Playoff), he just picked up a signature win. But how did the Wolverines win? And how did Alabama suffer the loss? 

Rose Bowl Analysis

Alabama Crimson Tide

– Lack of explosive pass plays:

Alabama only hit one long pass (a 29-yard Isaiah Bond sideline catch). This offense had used the deep ball to help open things up, but nothing hit. Alabama had a handful of deep attempts but they fell incomplete. That helped Michigan contain the Crimson Tide to 288 total yards on offense and only 116 passing yards. 

– Snapping mishaps 

There were several bad snaps that Jalen Milroe had to corral. But it was clearly evident on Alabama’s first drive of the second half as a snap that scooted by Milroe was followed by a dropped snap. That led to a punt on a drive that had a promising start. The miscues had the Crimson Tide off schedule and helped Michigan’s defense key in on plays. 

Finally, the last play was affected by a low snap: 

– Special teams kept Alabama in it 

Michigan gifted Alabama eight points. A muffed punt gave the Crimson Tide a free touchdown, then after a Michigan touchdown, the Wolverines had a bad snap that led to no extra point attempt being attempted. Then there was the near disaster of the muffed punt at the end of regulation. It was almost a safety and would have been talked about for years. 

There was brilliance in the kicking and punting game. Will Reichard was 2 of 2 on field goals, including a 50-yarder to make it 20-13 late. James Burnip averaged 50.3 yards per punt and pinned Michigan deep several times. It was an impressive performance that unfortunately will go forgotten. 

Michigan Wolverines

– The defensive front dominated 

Michigan recorded five sacks in the first half that all seemed to come at the perfect time. The Wolverines also kept pressuring Milroe all game, which threw off the passing game. Minus a few magical scrambles, he was also prevented from impacting the game in a major way with his legs. Neither quarterback Michigan will face in the national title will be as dangerous with their legs as Milroe, but this performance shows that the pass rush will be a problem. 

As for the run defense, Jase McClellan and Justice Haynes had some big runs and Milroe did manage to escape at times. But overall, it never felt like Alabama could continually rely on the running game. If Michigan can make its opponent one-dimensional, it’ll make things much easier. 

– JJ McCarthy did nothing to lose (after the first pass at least)

It was almost a disaster for Michigan on the opening play as J.J. McCarthy threw a pass right to an Alabama defender. However, the defender’s heel was out of bounds so it was a harmless incompletion. He finished 17 of 27 for 221 yards and three touchdowns that were easy passes where the receivers or play-calling did all the work. 

But that’s completely fine. McCarthy also ripped off a few decent runs and did not turn the ball over. With how the defense has played all year, that’s just what the Wolverines will need from him on Monday. 

– Michigan controlled the game but has to play a cleaner game

Overall, it felt like the Wolverines had the game in control. But some special teams mishaps (two muffed punts, a missed field goal, bad snap on the extra point) and an iffy third into fourth quarter (two quick three-and-outs and another drive that easily could’ve been another three-and-out) kept Alabama in the game longer. 

It’s unlikely that the Wolverines can play a close game with mistakes like this while letting the defense have the game of its life. But then again, if they’ve done it once, maybe this is the recipe for a Michigan title.