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)](https://wrif.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/01/Defense.jpg)
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.](https://wrif.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/01/BAMA.jpg)
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.](https://wrif.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/01/jj.jpg)
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.