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2024 Rose Bowl highlights: Michigan Wolverines win the Rose Bowl 27-20, highlights and reactions

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sportsnaut is covering the 2024 Rose Bowl, kicking off the first game of the College Football Playoff Semifinal with the Alabama Crimson Tide vs Michigan Wolverines. Check below for live Rose Bowl highlights, score updates and analysis throughout the game.

Let’s dive into our live coverage of the Rose Bowl.

Rose Bowl score

You can find the live Rose Bowl score here, with updates immediately after each squaring drive and quarter-by-quarter breakdowns.

1ST QTR2ND QTR3RD QTR4th QtrOTSCORE
Alabama Crimson Tide73010020
Michigan Wolverines7607727
The scoreboard updated immediately after each scoring drive

Bookmark this page for the latest 2024 Rose Bowl highlights, live updates, analysis, social media reactions and more.

Michigan Wolverines win Rose Bowl with OT stop

It all came down to 4th-and-goal from Michigan’s 4-yard line. Alabama vs Michigan, two legendary programs with a spot in the national championship game at stake. The Wolverines have had the best defense in college football all season and on the final play of the Rose Bowl, Michigan recorded its biggest stop in decades. Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines are headed to the title game.

Blake Corum makes Michigan history in perfect fashion

The CFP is where legends are made and Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum is just that. On the first drive of overtime, Corum covered 25 yards in three plays, capping it off with a rushing touchdown to take a 27-20 lead and breaking Michigan’s touchdown record.

Free Football! Third overtime in CFP history

Thanks to numerous special-teams blunders by Michigan, costing it 4 points and putting its final drive at the 1-yard line, we’re headed to overtime with a 20-20 tie. It’s the third overtime game in College Football Playoff history.

Alabama’s offense stalls, Michigan muffs chance to win it

Jalen Milroe got the football back with an opportunity to create a legacy drive. After two short plays put Alabama at the 37-yard line, the series stalled out at the 43-yard line. Michigan is getting the football back, with J.J. McCarthy having his own shot at a game-winning drive. Unfortunately, a muffed punt resulted in the Wolverines’ offense getting the football at their 1-yard line.

Wolverines march to game-tying score with clutch plays by Corum, McCarthy

The Wolverines put themselves in a corner, creating a 4th-and-2 from their own 33-yard line. Fortunately for the Wolverines, Blake Corum got open on a miscommunication by the Alabama defense and he turned upfield for a big gain. On the next play, J.J. McCarthy kept it himself for a first-down run, with Alabam getting away with a late hit out of bounds. No matter, McCarthy attacked Alabama’s soft coverage, hitting Roman Wilson for a 29-yard catch-and-run to put the football at the Alabama 8-yard line.

On 2nd-and-goal, the Wolverines drew up the perfect play, with the fake handoff getting the Crimson Tide to bite, leaving Wilson open for the touchdown. This time around, Michigan made the extra-point attempt to make it a 20-20 tie with 1:34 to go.

Alabama vs Michigan score: Crimson Tide 20, Wolverines 13

Just as they did with the first-half turnover, Alabama took advantage of another Michigan blunder. Following the Wolverines’ missed goal, the Crimson Tide offense put the game in the hands of Jam Miller and Jase McClellan. A drive that started at the Alabama 31-ard line ended with a 52-yard field goal.

Michigan Wolverines defense forces turnover, Alabam delivers critical stop

After a huge three-and-out by the Wolverines’ offense, putting Michigan at risk of falling behind by two scores. The Wolverines’ defense came through once more. After a 13-yard gain on the first play by Alabama’s offense, Milroe ran for it and had the ball knocked loose with Michigan recovering inside Alabama territory. McCarthy and Co. have the football back down 17-13 with a great chance to turn this game around.

However, the drive stalled out almost immediately. A botched flea-flicker cost Michigan dearly, creating a 3rd-and-17 from the Alabama 38-yard line. After a short gain, James Turner missed a 49-yard field goal. The Wolverines have now taken four points off the board due to special-teams gaffes.

Alabama overcomes OL mistakes, takes lead in Rose Bowl — 17 – 13

Favorable field position set up Alabama’s offense at their own 45-yard line and it didn’t take much time for the Crimson Tide to roll downfield. Milroe’s legs were the driving force, accounting for 37 rushing yards to help put Alabama at Michigan’s 3-yard line. Once again, the Crimson Tide overcame penalties by their offensive linemen, capping off the drive with a go-ahead touchdown from Jase McClellan from 3 yards out. Alabama has figured things out a bit offensively, putting pressure on McCarthy and Blake Corum to respond from the fourth-quarter deficit.

https://twitter.com/TSV__1/status/1741983608150315248?s=20

Crimson Tide, Wolverines offenses stagnant in second half

Looking to avoid the Michigan pass rush in addition to bad snaps when in shotgun, Alabama turned to the ground game for the first two downs of their second second half-possession, but McClellan churned out a total of six yards. Milroe then had an errant pass intended for Miller, leading to the fifth three-and-out of Alabama’s day.

But Michigan wasn’t any better on their second possession coming out of the half either. McCarthy couldn’t get in sync with his receivers, leading to two incompletions, sandwiched around a two yard rush by Edwards on 2nd and 10. Needless to say, the Wolverines had a quick three-and-out too.

Alabama’s offensive line continues to struggle

After allowing five sacks in the first half, Alabama’s offensive line didn’t come out in the second half with the type of performance Coach Saban was hoping for. While it wasn’t the same story as before, as Milroe wasn’t getting sacked left and right, he also couldn’t get a decent snap sent his way.

Starting center Seth McLaughlin is not having his finest day, with bad snaps on back-to-back plays coming out of the second half, leading two consecutive fumbles for the Alabama offense. Naturally, they had to punt after coming up short on a 3rd-and-29 attempt.

Halftime stats

  • Alabama – 96 total yards, 2-for-7 on third downs
    • Jalen Milroe – 5-of-8, 53 pass yards
    • Jase McClellan – 46 rushing yards, 1 TD
    • Isaiah Bond – 2 receptions, 30 receiving yards
    • CJ Dippre – 1 reception, 11 receiving yards
  • Michigan – 199 total yards, 1-for-5 on third downs
    • J.J. McCarthy – 9-of-14, 115 yards, 2 TDs
    • Blake Corum – 9 carries, 51 rushing yards, 1 receiving TD
    • Tyler Morris – 1 reception, 38 receiving yards, 1 TD
    • Roman Wilson – 1 reception, 20 receiving yards
    • Semaj Morgan – 3 receptions, 17 receiving yards
    • Kalel Mullins – 1 reception, 20 receiving yards
    • Colston Loveland – 2 receptions, 13 receiving yards

Jalen Milroe starts driving the offense, Michigan’s pass rush responds – 13-10

The Crimson Tide’s offensive line struggled for most of the first half, but moving the pocket made a difference. Rolling out of the pocket, Miller hit Isaiah Bond along the sideline for a perfect 29-yard strike. He worked the field methodically, with both his arm and legs, moving Alama’s offense into Michigan territory. The Wolverines’ defense responded with a sack on 3rd-and-3. It forced Alabama back to the 32-yard line, kicking a 50-yard field goal.

J.J. McCarthy takes big hit, makes bigger play. Wolverines score seconds later – 13-7

While the Wolverines took the football out of McCarthy’s hands a lot late in the regular season, Michigan’s quarterback showed what he can do at his best. A poor backward pass forced McCarthy to make a leaping one-handed snag. With pressure then in his face, he connected with Roman Wilson for a 20-yard gain downfield.

A few plays later, sophomore wide receiver Tyler Morris scored his first touchdown of the season with some beautiful footwork along the sideline. However, a botched extra-point attempt cost Michigan a point.

One-sided game so far

While the scoreboard says 7-7, this game has been one-sided to this point midway through the second quarter. Outside of Jase McClellan’s 34-yard touchdown run, Alabama has just 5 total yards on the rest of its plays. Meanwhile, Michigan is responsible for over 120 total yards. The Crimson Tide might need a big play on social teams or defense to put more points on the board, barring improvement in the trenches.

Michigan Wolverines pass rush in dominant form

One of the best defenses in college football is playing like it right now. Michigan’s pass rush is already responsible for 4 sacks on four drives by Alabama. Most impressively, it’s a group effort right now with four players recording a sack. The Crimson Tide offensive line is looking a lot like the unit that was one of the worst in the Power 5 through the first seven weeks of the season.

Alabama OLSacks AllowedPressuresPass Blocking Efficiency
Weeks 0-714 (4th most in Power 5)61 (22nd most)84.6 (58th)
Weeks 8-166 (42nd)40 (16th-best)88.2 (31st)
Statistics via Pro Football Focus

1st Quarter Stats

  • Alabama Crimson Tide: 38 total yards, 1-of-3 on third downs
    • Jalen Milroe – 1-of-2, 11 passing yards
    • Jase McClellan – 40 rushing yards, 1 TD (20 ypc)
    • CJ Dippre – 1 reception, 11 receiving yards
  • Michigan Wolverines: 104 total yards, 0-for-2 on third downs
    • J.J. McCarthy – 5-of-8, 38 pass yards, 1 TD
    • Blake Corum – 5 rushes, 37 rushing yards, 1 receiving TD
    • Kalel Mullings – 1 reception, 19 receiving yards
    • Semaj Morgan 2 receptions, 9 receiving yards

Blake Corum helps McCarthy lead Michigan’s first scoring drive

McCarthy knows which playmakers to turn to in crunch time. With Michigan trailing 7-0 early on, the Wolverines turned to first-team All-American running back Blake Corum to come through.

Corum, now in his senior year, received four carries, which he took for 33 yards, helping put Michigan in scoring position. Then, once in the red zone, McCarthy found his reliable running back for an eight-yard touchdown pass to put the game in a 7-7 tie.

Crimson Tide get on the board first with Jase McClellan’s touchdown

NCAA Football: Alabama at Auburn
Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Senior running back didn’t need much time to get started in the Rose Bowl. On just his second touch of the day, Jase McClellan broke free for what he made look like an easy 34-yard touchdown run for the first touchdown of the Rose Bowl.

https://twitter.com/TSV__1/status/1741949526838243539

Alabama hops on muffed punt after three-and-out

Milroe may not have had a successful first drive, but he’s getting a quick chance to move on thanks to Semaj Morgan muffing the punt return, which was promptly recovered by Alabama’s special teams unit, giving Milroe the ball at the Michigan 44-yard-line.

Wolverines defense swarms Jalen Milroe for two sacks on opening drive

The Crimson Tide have had just three offensive plays from scrimmage, and two have ended in sacks on quarterback Jalen Milroe. The first came on first down, leading to a costly 13-yard loss. Operating with a short memory, Milroe quickly completed an 11-yard pass to CJ Dippre. Then, on 3rd and 12, Milroe was sacked again for an 11-yard loss. The Crimson Tide must come up with an answer for this ferocious Michigan pass rush.

J.J. McCarthy avoids interception due to costly mistake from Alabama freshman

On the very first play from scrimmage, it appeared Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy threw an interception to Alabama’s safety Caleb Downs. Yet, before Downs leaped up for the interception, the freshman’s foot was out of bounds. Because Downs never re-established position back in the field of play, the interception was wiped away.

https://twitter.com/TSV__1/status/1741945923763351716

2024 Rose Bowl highlights: Everything to know before kickoff

NCAA Football: Rose Bowl Coaches Press Conference
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a quick rundown of everything you need to know before Monday’s CFP Semifinal matchup between Alabama and Michigan.

Rose Bowl game info

  • Time: 5:00 PM ET
  • TV Info: ESPN
  • Location: Rose Bowl Stadium – Pasadena, CA

Related: Highest-paid college football coaches

2024 Rose Bowl odds

The latest Rose Bowl odds are via BetMGM.

  • Point Total: 45.5 points
  • Moneyline: Michigan (-125), Alabama (+105)
  • Spread: Michigan -1.5

Michigan vs Alabama history

Here is a brief history of matchups between Michigan and Alabama in college football.

  • Last Meeting: Alabama 35, Michigan 16 (2020 Citrus Bowl)
  • All-Time: 3-2, Alabama

Related: Grading college football coaching hires 2023-’24

Alabama Crimson Tide depth chart

NCAA Football: SEC Football Championship-Georgia at Alabama
Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Here is the Alabama Crimson TIde’s depth chart heading into the Rose Bowl.

Offense

  • QB: Jalen Milroe
  • RB: Jase McClellan/Roydell Williams
  • WR: Jermaine Burton/Isaiah Bond/Kobe Prentice/Malik Benson
  • TE: Amari Niblack/CJ Dippre

Defense

  • DE: Justin Eboigbe/Tim Keenan III/Jah-Marien Latham/Damon Payne Jr.
  • DT: Jaheim Oatis/Tim Smith
  • LB: Trezmen Marshall/Dallas Turner/Deontae Lawson/Kendrick Blackshire/Jihaad Campbell
  • CB: Terrion Arnold/Kool-Aid McKinstry/Malachi Moore/Antonio Kite/Trey Amos
  • S: Jaylen Key/Caleb Downs/Tony Mitchell/Kristian Story/Earl Little

Alabama Crimson Tide stat leaders

  • Offense
    • Pass Yards: 2,718 – J. Milroe
    • Pass TDs: 23 – J. Milroe
    • Comp. %: 65.5% – J. Milroe
    • Rush Yards: 803 – J. McClellan
    • Rush TDs: 12 – J. Milroe
    • Rec. Yards: 777 – J. Burton
    • Rec. TDs: 8 – J. Burton
  • Defense:
    • Sacks: 9 – D. Turner
    • INTs: 5 – T. Arnold
    • FFs: 3 – C. Braswell
    • Solo: 64 – C. Downs
    • PDs: 11 – T. Arnold

Michigan Wolverines depth chart

Syndication: USA TODAY
Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Here is the Michigan Wolverines depth chart heading into the Rose Bowl.

Offense

  • QB: J.J. McCarthy
  • RB: Blake Corum/Donovan Edwards
  • WR: Roman Wilson/Cornelius Johnson/Semaj Morgan/Tyler Morris
  • TE: Colston Loveland/Josh Beetham

Defense

  • DE: Braiden McGregor/Jaylen Harrell/Josaiah Stewart
  • DT: Mason Graham/Kris Jenkins/Kenneth Grant/Rayshaun Benny
  • LB: Junior Colson/Michael Barrett/Jimmy Rolder/Ernest Hausmann
  • CB: Will Johnson/Josh Wallace/Mike Sainristil/Amorion Walker/Ja’Den McBurrows
  • S: Rod Moore/Makari Paige/Keon Sabb/Zeke Berry

Michigan Wolverines stat leaders

  • Offense
    • Pass Yards: 2,630 – J. McCarthy
    • Pass TDs: 19 – J. McCarthy
    • Comp. %: 74.2% – J. McCarthy
    • Rush Yards: 1,028 – B. Corum
    • Rush TDs: 24 – B. Corum
    • Rec. Yards: 662 – R. Wilson
    • Rec. TDs: 11 – R. Wilson
  • Defense:
    • Sacks: 6.5 – J. Harrell
    • INTs: 5 – M. Sainristill
    • FFs: 3 M. Barrett
    • Solo: 35 – J. Colson
    • PDs: 6 – M. Sainristill
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