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

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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 27-20 for the right to play for the national title on January 8th. 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with The Leishman Trophy after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime to win the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California.  (Harry How/Getty Images)

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

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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 by running back Jase McClellan – had Michigan looking like it was reliving last year’s nightmare. 

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

Mike Sainristil #0 and Derrick Moore #8 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate in the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California.  (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Corum evened the score on a 75-yard drive while the defense took care of