Final score and results for Alabama vs. Michigan
Since Michigan hadn’t defeated a team by less than 24 points since Week 11, there were understandable concerns about the Wolverines’ ability to manage a close game in a major setting. Think of those queries as resolved.
After a string of unsuccessful drives, Michigan found itself behind 20–13 late in the fourth quarter. Seeing an opportunity to make an impression, the team seized it. J.J. McCarthy led the Wolverines on a drive that was highlighted by two pivotal plays from Roman Wilson and culminated in an outstanding fourth-and-2 play call that sent them 75 yards down field for the game-tying score.
The next drive ended with a swift stop by Michigan’s defence, giving the offence a chance to win in regulation. However, a botched punt left the Wolverines trapped inches from the goal line, eliminating any possibility of avoiding OT.
Michigan suffered all night from errors on the special teams, but Jim Harbaugh’s squad remained positive. Just two plays into overtime, Blake Corum bullied his way into the end zone, and minutes later, on a fourth-and-goal, the defense—which had been so strong all season—made one of the biggest stops in programme history by holding Jalen Milroe out of the end zone.
After a slow start to the season, Alabama was happy simply to make it into the College Football Playoff, but Nick Saban will be wondering in the winter how a game they dominated well into the fourth quarter of the season could have gotten away from them so quickly.
In the meantime, Michigan wins its first-ever playoff game and advances to face Washington in Houston on Monday in the national championship game. During a season marred by controversy and sanctions, Harbaugh and the Wolverines have an opportunity to leave their mark on history.
