- Michigan QB JJ McCarthy threw for three touchdown passes to fuel the victory
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The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime to win the Rose Bowl in a close game.
Aside from surrendering a 34-yard pass to Alabama running back Jase McClellan, Michigan's defense had started the game strong after Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was sacked five times in the first half.
Michigan then took a 13-10 lead into halftime after QB JJ McCarthy connected on touchdown passes to RB Blake Corum and wide receiver Tyler Morris.
After a scoreless third quarter, Alabama's adjustments on offense finally paid off after an eight-play, 55-yard drive ended with McClellan scoring his second touchdown of the game on a three-yard rush to give the Crimson Tide a lead of To be delivered 17-13.
Later in the quarter, Alabama was able to extend its lead to 20-13 after Will Reichard scored a 52-yard field goal with just under five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime in the Rose Bowl
Michigan QB JJ McCarthy threw for three touchdown passes to spark the Wolverines offense
Alabama RB Jase McClellan scored both of the Crimson Tide's two touchdowns in regulation
Michigan was able to put together a beautiful drive, including a 20-yard gain on a 4th-and-2 near midfield.
Although the Wolverines were penalized for an illegal block in the back, they were still able to secure the game-changing first down conversion.
Two plays later, McCarthy completed a 29-yard pass to WR Roman Wilson, who set up the touchdown pass to force the game into overtime.
Michigan was able to keep the momentum going on offense after getting the ball first in overtime after Corum made a tackle that broke up a 17-yard run and scored his second touchdown of the day.
Corum became Michigan's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 56 after the score.
Alabama was unable to put the ball in the end zone after being stuffed with a running play up the middle on fourth down and a goal from the three-yard line at the end of the game.
Michigan now advances to the National Championship to play the winner of the Sugar Bowl between the Washington Huskies and Texas Longhorns, while head coach Jim Harbaugh's team gets the chance to take home the sport's biggest prize to end a controversial season.
The 2023 season could, in fact, go down as Harbaugh's season if the Wolverines can retain the National Championship to end their tumultuous season.
Harbaugh was suspended by the school for the first three games of the year for recruiting violations, and later received a three-game ban from the NCAA due to the Wolverines' sign-stealing scandal.
Despite the suspensions, Harbaugh and his coaching staff guided the Wolverines to a perfect regular season, including a third straight win over archrival Ohio State, a Big Ten title and a shot at the school's first national championship since 1997.