Photo credit: Aaron J. Thornton
The Michigan Wolverines football team is undefeated at 13-0. It’s the second time in program history they have accomplished that. Alongside that, and for the third straight year, they beat their rivals from down south (the Ohio State Buckeyes), were victorious in the B1G title game to claim the B1G championship trophy, and head to the College Football Playoffs. Even with all of that, they still have one goal left to achieve…to win the National Championship.
Two games (and two teams) stand in their way from fulfilling that ultimate goal. The Wolverines have been here before, making the CFP semifinals each of the last two seasons. After last year’s upset loss to the TCU Horned Frogs, they proclaimed they would return. And they have.
Their chances are better than ever! Or are they? Yes, they are college football’s number one ranked team. However they have to face the long-time powerhouse and number four ranked Alabama Crimson Tide who are fresh off their conference winning victory over the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia was last year’s national champion and the team that held the number one spot for most of this year.
The Michigan vs Alabama semifinal game is set for New Years day at the “Granddaddy of Them All”, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California. It is the oldest bowl game and the location has some nostalgia as it’s traditionally been the bowl game where the B1G champion would play. It’s also the bowl game location where Michigan played and last won their national championship, in 1997 when it shared the title with Nebraska.
After winning the B1G Championship in Indianapolis by shutting out the Iowa Hawkeyes 26-0 back on December 2, the Wolverines clinched their playoff berth without any question. In a game before a sellout crowd, where Iowa’s offense struggled against the top ranked Michigan defense, the Wolverines held the Hawkeyes to a season low 155 total yards (125 passing and 35 rushing).
The official MVP of that game went to Michigan Defensive Back Mike Sainristil who was named the Grange-Griffin Most Valuable Player of the Conference Championship Game. Sainristil, who had 3 tackles, a sack, and 2 forced fumbles becomes just the second defensive player to earn the award in the game’s 13-year history.
That night was also a historic one for Michigan Running Back Blake Corum who scored both of the Wolverines touchdowns. The scores gave Corum his 54th and 55th touchdowns of his career, tying a Michigan all time record. With one and potentially two games left, it’s very likely that Corum will hold the record outright when he finishes this season.
Alabama on the other hand, made their way into the playoffs with a bit of controversy. After the Crimson Tide defeated the number one ranked Georgia Bulldogs, the selection committee decided to move Alabama up to the number four and final spot, jumping an undefeated Florida State football team. That decision came with many days of debate and conversation amongst fans and media. It will also undoubtedly continue to be brought up in conversations into the future.
Nevertheless, Michigan will look to change the outcome of their previous two playoff games (losses in the last two years) with a win to advance to the national championship game and a victory there to bring the championship trophy to Ann Arbor. The Rose Bowl game time is 5 p.m. ET on January 1.
About Post Author
