Michigan Defense Shows Out In Rose Bowl
The Michigan Wolverines started the new year right. Defeating Alabama 27-20 in overtime, Michigan earned the right to play for the national championship. One of the big reasons for the win is the Michigan defense showing out in a big way. The Michigan defense while not perfect, played their hearts out and proved why they are the number 1 team in the country.
Alabama couldn’t get the ball moving in the passing game. Only throwing for 116 yards and without a score through the air. Alabama saw some success running the ball. However, aside from one 34-yard rushing touchdown from Alabama running back Jase McClellan, the Crimson Tide didn’t have many big plays on the ground either. With 228 yards of total offense for Alabama, the Michigan defense showed out.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 1: Mason Graham #55 of the Michigan Wolverines deflects a pass from Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Rose Bowl between University of Alabama and University of Michigan at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Michigan Defense Won The Game
One huge part of their success was how effective their blitz packages were. The Michigan defense made throwing the ball for Quarterback Jalen Milroe a living hell. Michigan finished the game with 7 sacks against the Alabama offensive line. 5 of those sacks occurred in the first half, which was the most sacks ever given up in a single half in the playoffs.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 1: Keshaun Harris #36 and Myles Pollard #24 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate the Michigan victory in the Rose Bowl during a game between University of Alabama and University of Michigan at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
This team is playing at an elite level right now and look virtually unbeatable. The defense played amazing, and their offense made big plays when they needed it. JJ McCarthy passed for 3 touchdowns and 221 yards. Blake Corum contributed 83 rushing yards and 2 total touchdowns. With an overtime rushing score, Corum set the all-time Michigan record for rushing touchdowns with 55 in his career.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: QB J.J. McCarthy (9) of the Michigan Wolverines looks to pass during the Alabama Crimson Tide game versus the Michigan Wolverines CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game on January, 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
This team is better than ever and ready to win their first national championship since 1997. The Michigan defense is a huge reason why they are in the title game. The season comes to and end next Monday. Michigan faces off with the Washington Huskies at 7:30 pm on January 8th for all of the marbles.
The 5 Greatest Stadiums In College Football
Rose Bowl Stadium - UCLA
The iconic Rose Bowl (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
You can’t talk about iconic stadiums and not mention Rose Bowl Stadium. It’s basically the epitome of iconic stadiums. Then, you add the mountain backdrop and it really can’t get much better than that. Personally, I’ve never been but it’s high up on my bucket list.
Tiger Stadium - Louisiana State University
This is Tiger Stadium. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Tigers may hate cinnamon, but they love football. LSU’s Tiger Stadium is one of the best environments in all of college football. That place gets loud! No team wants to come into Death Valley. I mean, certainly they call it that for a reason, right?
Neyland Stadium - University of Tennessee
Neyland Stadium can get rocking! (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
There’s something about Neyland Stadium that stands out and separates from the pack. Maybe it’s the checkered end zone. Perhaps it’s the crowd in their orange and white. The music? So much to like about games at Tennessee. Whenever I see one of their night games on TV, I can’t lie I get a little jealous. Good for those students who get to enjoy game days there.
Kinnick Stadium - University of Iowa
Gotta respect Kinnick Stadium. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
It’s Iowa, how exciting can it be? I understand that perspective. However, what makes Kinnick one of the best stadiums in the country has nothing to do with their field or play. I love how the children’s hospital overlooks the field. What an amazing thought. It gives the kids an opportunity to watch the games, and that can mean everything. I think it could be one of my favorite traditions in all of sports.
Every game, at the end of the first quarter, the filled stadium and sidelines turn their attention to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital and wave to the children. Watch it sometime. It will melt your heart…and I say that as a fan of another Big Ten school. Good on you, Iowa!
Michigan Stadium - University of Michigan
Welcome to The Big House (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
You had to have seen this coming, right? I’m a proud Spartan and even I can’t deny the greatest that is The Big House. Not only is it the largest stadium in the United States (and entire Western Hemisphere), it’s the third-largest stadium in all of the world! It’s truly a sight to behold.
