NCAAF Rose Bowl No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 1 Michigan

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena (edition No. 110) hosts the first of two New Year’s Day semifinals in the College Football Playoffs. The Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1, 8-0 in SEC) and the Michigan Wolverines (13-0, 9-0 Big Ten) meet in what the line suggests should be quite the game.

It’s Nick Saban coaching against Jim Harbaugh, so… 

Michigan (36.7 points per game) and Alabama (32½ points/game) are both top-25 in offense, while the Wolverine defense (9½ points/game) has surrendered the fewest points in the nation. 

Alabama downed the two-time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs in the title game of the SEC, leapfrogging past the ‘Dawgs (and the undefeated Florida St. Seminoles). 

Michigan, meanwhile, has been among the choices to win the title since the outset. Surviving the suspension of Harbaugh (see “Sign-Stealing-Gate”), the Wolverines have been as dominant as any program this season. 

Michigan is a scant, one-point favorite (total at 45), according to college football odds.

Moneyline is Wolverines -120, Crimson Tide at even.

Alabama is leading the all-time series, 3-2.  

“Rolling” with Balance

The Alabama Crimson Tide average just over 400 yards of offense (228½ passing, 172.7 rushing), balanced so opponents can’t cheat.

Sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe (2,718 passing yards, 23 touchdowns [12 rushing touchdowns], six interceptions) emerged as a star (12 touchdowns, one pick in his last four).

Wideouts Jermaine Burton (35 receptions, 777 yards, eight touchdowns) and Isaiah Bond (44 receptions, 621 yards four touchdowns) are the targets of choice. 

Jase McClellan (803 rushing yards, six touchdowns) leads a potent ground game. An injured foot kept him out of the game against Georgia, so it’s prudent to check his status.

‘Bama’s defense is not in league with that of Michigan, but quite competent (T-16th in points [16.1], 18th in yardage [320]) in per-game figures this season. 

Wolverines’ Nasty Defense 

It’s difficult (borderline impossible) to find a more complete defensive unit than the one in Ann Arbor. As was mentioned, having surrendered a country-stingiest less than 10 points per game, the Michigan Wolverines’ 239.7 yards/game is second only to Penn St.

Opponents don’t run and rarely pass with success against the Maize and Blue. 

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (2,630 yards, 19 touchdowns, four interceptions) can look behind him and offer a heavy dose of running back Blake Corum (1,028 yards, 24 touchdowns).

Roman Wilson has 11 receiving touchdowns this season.

Take the Tide

As is the case in all bowl games, check opt-outs, transfer portals and coaching-staff changes. 

In this four-team final tourney, Michigan is the tepid 9-5 (+180) favorite, as per college football championship odds.

It’s been a perfect season for the Michigan Wolverines to this point, but this program has struggled in the College Football Playoffs. Michigan was clearly best in the Big Ten, but it’s our thought the Alabama Crimson Tide would dispose of the Wolverines in that conference. 

Alabama’s hiccup against the Texas Longhorns turned out to be the turning point to its season, and the Tide (excepting a fortuitous Iron Bowl win over Auburn) have been dominant.

Expect the Alabama Crimson Tide to find their way past Michigan. Take them at even-money to win outright in Pasadena. Go over as well. Bet this game now at BetUS.com and get a 125% bonus by using promo code SBA125