Michigan Wolverines (13-0) vs Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1)
2024-01-01 17:00:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Michigan Wolverines -1.5 -- Over/Under: 44.5
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The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines meet Monday in CFP Semifinal college football action from the Rose Bowl. Alabama is currently 12-1 overall and riding an 11-game win streak. The Tide last played in a three-point victory versus Georgia. As for Michigan, they’re undefeated through 13 games so far and coming off a shutout win versus Iowa to kick off December. Let’s get into our Alabama vs. Michigan prediction. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide only have the one blemish on the schedule so far this year: a 34-24 loss to Texas way back on September 9. Since then it’s been 11 straight wins, thanks in large part to Alabama’s average of 34.9 points per game. The Tide have been pretty balanced on offense, with 23 scores (and six picks) through the air alongside 30 rushing touchdowns this year.
In their latest matchup versus Georgia for the SEC championship, Alabama took a 20-10 edge into the fourth quarter. The Tide had to scramble a bit from there but still took the win 27-24. Jalen Milroe posted 192 pass yards with two scores, while Roydell Williams had 64 rushing yards and a TD on 16 carries.
Michigan Wolverines
Over on the Michigan side, there’s not much to complain about this year. The Wolverines have taken out three ranked teams (Penn State, Ohio State and Iowa) in their last four outings and come through 13 games unscathed. Michigan averages a nice 36.7 points per game this year with 161.8 yards per game and 35 touchdowns coming via the ground attack.
Matched up against Iowa in the Big Ten title game, Michigan didn’t have too much trouble. The Wolverines were up 20-0 after three quarters and powered out a 26-0 shutout victory in the end. JJ McCarthy threw for 147 yards but Blake Corum did most of the scoring on 52 rush yards and two TDs. Cornelius Johnson added 64 yards off nine catches.
ANDREW’S FREE ALABAMA VS MICHIGAN PREDICTION
I’ll stick with Michigan in this one; it’ll be close, though. The Wolverines haven’t shown too many weaknesses so far this year, and they’re capable of playing well against pretty much any style. In the Big Ten Championship versus Iowa, Michigan held the opposition to just 155 total yards (120 passing) and seven first downs while frustrating the Hawkeyes with three takeaways. It wasn’t the normal lights-out offensive performance (213 total yards) but it didn’t need to be. The Wolverines have been below 30 points just twice this year, so if they can reach that threshold in the Rose Bowl Michigan will be in great shape.
As for Alabama, they’re coming off a gutsy victory versus a great Georgia team. The Tide have scored 42 or more points in three of their last five games, so they’re certainly capable of lighting up the scoreboard when so motivated. I don’t think this one will be a super-high total though, as both defenses are pretty stingy these days. Ultimately I like Michigan to eke out the cover/win, but Alabama will certainly make things interesting. This will be an excellent matchup.
