Michigan rallies back, advances to CFP National Championship with overtime victory over Alabama

Michigan started and ended the regular season without the services of their head coach.

On Monday, Jim Harbaugh was on the sidelines as the Wolverines defeated Alabama for the right to play for the national title on January 8th. 

A thrilling overtime game saw Michigan quickly score on the opening possession with a 17-yard run by senior Blake Corum. With the game on the line, the Wolverines’ defense took care of the rest. 

The opening minutes for Michigan brought back memories of last year’s CFP loss to TCU, where turnovers turned out to be the difference.

A near interception by Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs and a muffed punt return recovered by the Crimson Tide, which eventually resulted in a 34-yard scoring run for running back Jase McClellan – Michigan looked like it was reliving last year’s nightmare. 

But it was Jim Harbaugh’s defense, which entered the contest allowing the fewest points per game, which shifted the momentum back in Michigan’s favor. 

Corum evened the score on a 75-yard drive while the defense took care of quarterback Jalen Milroe, sacking him five times in the first half, and Tyler Morris put Michigan ahead with his dance along the sidelines for a 38-yard touchdown catch. 

Alabama took back control in the second half, tightening up against Michigan’s frustrating pass. McClellan would get his second touchdown of the night on a three-yard run to give the Crimson Tide their second lead of the night. 

Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy responded, orchestrating an eight-play, 77-yard drive with just under two minutes remaining to even the score with a four yard pass to Roman Wilson and force overtime. 

While being perfect on the field, Michigan has had its fair share of controversy off the field. 

The Wolverines began their undefeated season without head coach Jim Harbaugh after he served out a school-imposed three-game suspension over NCAA recruiting violations. Then, when Michigan was entering its most challenging phase of the season, Harbaugh was again sidelined an additional three games amid an investigation into a sign-stealing operation that involved former low-level staffer, Connor Stalions. 

Despite the media frenzy surrounding the program, Michigan didn’t miss a beat. 

Michigan continued to an 11-0 finish and won its third straight conference championship with a 26-0 rout of Iowa. Now the Wolverines will now chase the school’s first national title since 1997. 

Michigan will next face the winner of Texas vs. Washington in the CFP National Championship on January 8.