ETF Summary

It’s the start of a new year, but the NFL regular season is still winding down.

And the penultimate week, Week 17, helped clarify the playoff picture in both the AFC and NFC.

To that end, the No. 1 seeds, which include a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout, were both awarded. The Baltimore Ravens destroyed the Miami Dolphins in what had been billed as a heavyweight battle of AFC contenders. The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, handled their business in a routine victory over the Washington Commanders, but it was a stunning upset of the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to an Arizona Cardinals team that entered Sunday with just three victories, that clinched the top berth for the 49ers.

WINNERS

Lamar gets his MVP moment and Ravens are the class of the AFC (and maybe the NFL)

The best team in the AFC, the Ravens, are peaking at the right time, obliterating two of the better teams in the NFL in consecutive weeks while exhibiting all the ingredients needed for a Super Bowl run. Baltimore (13-3) has a physical, stifling defense that has neutralized the 49ers and Dolphins, perhaps the two teams with the most speed in the NFL (aside from the Ravens). Baltimore has a veteran coaching staff that has molded its scheme to fit its players. And it also has the best player in the NFL.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson, the odds-on favorite to win the Associated Press Most Valuable Player, was sensational in a 56-19 rout of the Dolphins, completing 18 of 21 passes for 321 yards with five touchdowns while adding 35 rushing yards. The Ravens gave Jackson plenty of time to operate, they’re playing with immense confidence, have a versatile attack, and now the AFC runs through the Charm City.

Miami’s slide is Buffalo’s gain

The winner of the season finale in Miami Gardens is for the AFC East title and for the No. 2 berth in the conference. The Bills still need to do a far better job of limiting giveaways (quarterback Josh Allen has only one turnover-free game in Buffalo’s last 12) but this is a series that Buffalo has absolutely dominated. Over their last 11 meetings, the Bills have won all but one.

The Packers take control

Green Bay (8-8) took advantage of several breakdowns in the Minnesota Vikings secondary for a massive 33-10 win that now puts the Packers in control of their playoff fates. If they beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon, they will be in thanks to the Seattle Seahawks’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Quarterback Jordan Love (24-of-33 passing for 256 yards and four total touchdowns) was sensational, delivering the ball in stride to receivers who leaked out into open space. The defense, even with starting corners Eric Stokes (hamstring) and Jaire Alexander (suspension) missing the game, clamped down Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson and frustrated quarterbacks Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens. This is a young team that has had a solid and productive − if uneven − campaign. A deep playoff run may be unlikely, but this is exactly the type of experience that can set the Packers up for the future.

Chaos in the AFC South

The division often draws ridicule for fielding weaker teams, but the AFC South has the chance to give NFL fans a beautifully chaotic ending in Week 18. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans all have the same record (9-7). Jacksonville is currently in the division lead, with the Colts sitting in the last wild-card slot and the Texans just on the outside, looking in, at No. 8.

The Texans travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts on Saturday; the winner of that game is guaranteed a wild-card berth. But if the Jaguars, who are facing the Titans, somehow lose, then the winner of the Houston-Indy matchup would take the division crown. Either way, the Texans-Colts battle will be high-stakes drama that offers everything we love about do-or-die in sports. Credit the NFL schedule-makers for giving it standalone, prime-time treatment in the Saturday evening slot. And the matchup puts even more pressure Sunday on Jacksonville.

LOSERS

The Eagles were already in the playoffs, yes, but they’re in deep trouble

Philadelphia (11-5) has now lost four of its last five games, the latest in a 35-31 surprise to a rebuilding Cardinals team. Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon was the defensive coordinator of the Eagles the previous two seasons, so he’s quite familiar with Philadelphia’s operation. But Sunday’s loss was evidence of more systemic issues that plague the Eagles.

For one, the defense has been gashed, especially on the ground, with the Cardinals rolling up 221 yards on them. In fact, in their last seven games, the Eagles have not held an opponent to fewer than 100 rushing yards and have allowed 150.3 rushing yards per game in that span. The Eagles also have given the ball away 11 times in their last seven games. They came into Week 17 with a one-game lead in the NFC East. Now, if the Cowboys (11-5) and Eagles both win their respective season finales, Dallas will be the NFC East winner.

Seahawks yield ground, perhaps irreparably so

Seattle’s path was simple: win out and get in. But the Steelers ran all over the Seahawks, piling up 202 yards on the ground, so the Seahawks (8-8) were bounced to the outskirts of the NFC playoff picture. Now, Seattle must win its finale against the Cardinals and hope that the Packers lose to the Bears (7-9).

The passing game for Seattle simply hasn’t been as productive, or as explosive, as it was last season, but the rushing attack is what has been most disappointing. They missed tackles, couldn’t extend drives and allowed explosive plays in the passing game. In all honesty, though, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The Seahawks have now lost six of their last nine games. Their average margin of victory in the four games they have won since Week 8, is 3.25 points per game. Their dependence on comebacks and slim margin for error was unsustainable. Now, it almost certainly will keep them out of the postseason.

Kenny Pickett

This is a simple truth: the Steelers’ offense is better with Mason Rudolph starting. The No. 20 overall selection in the 2022 NFL draft, Kenny Pickett has missed the last four games as he’s recovering from an ankle injury. Mitchell Trubisky struggled in his time in relief of Pickett but Rudolph has shined.

The Steelers (9-7) are 2-0 in both games Rudolph has started. The downfield passing game, in particular for athletic receiver George Pickens, has blossomed. While the ground game was the primary factor, Pittsburgh’s yardage total Sunday against the Seahawks, 468, was easily the team’s season high. The point total in the last two games, 34 and 30, also present season-high marks; the previous was a Week 2, 26-point showing against the Cleveland Browns. With a slim chance at the playoffs − Pittsburgh essentially needs to win against the Ravens and for the Jaguars to lose − there’s no way Pickett should be playing over Rudolph, even if he’s fully healthy.

The Bucs, again, go cold at home

First things first, Tampa Bay (8-8) still has an inside track at the NFC South title. All it needs to do is beat the 2-14 Carolina Panthers next week and the Buccaneers will host a playoff game. That may be a problem. With the chance to clinch the division on the line, Tampa Bay fell to 4-4 this season at Raymond James Stadium, this time against a New Orleans Saints team that has been inconsistent all season long.

But, if the Buccaneers − who are 1-6 this season against teams currently above .500 − lose next week, the winner of the Saints-Falcons game will take the division. But even if the Bucs do win their third consecutive NFC South title, there are problems. Tampa Bay’s rushing game, as it has been all season, recorded just 57 yards on 15 carries against the Saints. Baker Mayfield and the offense didn’t make a single trip inside the red zone. These are traits of a team not ready for a postseason run.

The main event is here at last. This is the way the system is supposed to work, with all the other bowls leading up to the College Football Playoff semifinal games on New Year’s Day.

We will naturally get to those in due course, but as any promoter will tell you, it’s important to have a good undercard as well. We’ll officially kick off 2024 with three early games running more or less concurrently, so hopefully at least one of them will hold our attention. Then the stage will be cleared for the four teams playing for the sport’s ultimate prize.

Here’s the full holiday Monday lineup.

ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 13 LSU vs. Wisconsin, noon, ESPN2

The traditional Jan. 1 Sunshine State twosome of SEC vs. Big Ten contests begins with this meeting of the high-scoring Tigers and the defensive-minded Badgers. The game loses more than a little of its luster with LSU’s Heisman-winning QB Jayden Daniels expectedly but nevertheless unfortunately sitting out with the NFL draft looming. The Tigers’ offense should be in good hands, however, with Garrett Nussmeier at the controls. The better news for him is standout WR Malik Nabers will play, meaning the talented receiving corps will be largely intact. Nabers will likely have the attention of Wisconsin DB Ricardo Hallman, who has half of the Badgers’ 12 interceptions and a 95-yard pick-six against Rutgers to his credit. Things probably won’t be as interesting when Wisconsin has the ball. The LSU defense was far from reliable this season, but the Badgers might not be able to take advantage. Their main weapon, RB Braelon Allen, is also off to the draft. QB Tanner Mordecai will play, but he must beware of Tigers’ versatile LB Harold Perkins Jr.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Citrus Bowl: No. 17 Iowa vs. No. 23 Tennessee, 1 p.m. ET, ABC

Part two of the day’s unofficial Big Ten/SEC challenge has a similar vibe as the even more impressive defense of the Hawkeyes looks to take the air out of the Volunteers’ passing attack. Tennessee QB Joe Milton is sitting out the game, but many Vols’ fans aren’t displeased about that as they await the starting debut of dynamic freshman Nico Iamaleava. The absence of RB Jabari Small, likewise NFL bound, might be more significant, but not much gets by Iowa LBs Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson on the ground anyway. Iowa QB Deacon Hill’s best weapon is still RB Leshon Williams, but LB Elijah Herring and his friends on the Tennessee front seven are aware of that as well.

Fiesta Bowl: No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 20 Liberty, 1 p.m., ESPN

The non-playoff portion of the major bowls wraps up with the Ducks, who handled everyone in the Pac-12 not named Washington, taking on the Flames, who will be fully engaged as they seek to prove they belong at the big-boy table. Nevertheless, this is Liberty’s first encounter with a so-called Power Five conference squad, so the talent differential along the lines will be noticeable even if Oregon has players moving on. Ducks QB Bo Nix will play, as will top RB Bucky Irving. But Liberty won’t mind a big score. The Flames’ high-octane attack is led by QB Kaidon Salter, who has amassed 3,814 yards of total offense while accounting for 43 TDs, 12 by land. His main aerial target is WR C.J. Daniels, and RB Quinton Cooley adds another 1,322 rush yards and 16 scores to the ledger.

Rose Bowl: No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Alabama, 5 p.m., ESPN

This is undoubtedly the more anticipated of the semifinal contests given the big-name programs involved, not to mention the various controversies. But one shouldn’t think of it as the de facto championship game, even though the winner will likely be installed as the favorite in next week’s final. This is not the dominant Alabama team of recent, say 2020, vintage, but the fact is the Crimson Tide have had playoff success and the Wolverines, despite making their third consecutive appearance, have not. Michigan will need QB J.J. McCarthy and RB Blake Corum to lead some productive drives early to build confidence against LB Dallas Turner and the hard-hitting Tide defense. Michigan can defend a bit as well; the group featuring LBs Junior Colson and Michael Barrett backed by DB Mike Sainristil has allowed just 14 TDs all year. They’ll test the improved accuracy of Tide QB Jalen Milroe, who has made better use of WRs Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond as well as TE Amari Niblack as the season has progressed.

EXPERT PICKS: Our predictions for the Rose Bowl showdown

Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Washington vs. No. 4 Texas, 8:45 p.m., ESPN

The semifinal nightcap might actually have more entertainment potential. The Huskies, after all, seem incapable of playing in anything other than a nail-biter, and the Longhorns have been in a few themselves. The winner should also not be dismissed out of hand for next week – Texas already owns a win against the Crimson Tide as we know, and Washington will have found ways to beat everyone on its schedule should the Huskies prevail. Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. has a chance to continue a tradition of Heisman runners-up using the postseason to demonstrate why they should have won. His outstanding group of pass catchers led by Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk can help him do just that against the Longhorns’ secondary that is anything but airtight. The Huskies can run it as well if necessary with RB Dillon Johnson leading the way, but ground yards are a bit more difficult to find against LB Jaylan Ford and the Texas front. Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers is more than capable of keeping up in a shootout, though top WR Xavier Worthy will be playing on a sore ankle and might not be at full speed. WR Adonai Mitchell and TE Ja’Tavion Sanders are also excellent options, and the Huskies can give up their share of yards through the air as well. Figure on a busy night for Washington DB Dominique Hampton, often the last line of defense in the secondary.

EXPERT PICKS: Our predictions for the Sugar Bowl showdown

The San Francisco 49ers had more than one reason to celebrate on Sunday following their 27-10 road victory over the Washington Commanders.

After they did their job on the field, the Niners gathered to watch the final moments of the Philadelphia Eagles-Arizona Cardinals game to see if they would wrap up the NFC’s top overall seed and a first-round bye in the upcoming playoffs with an Eagles loss.

While some players in the tunnel exiting FedExField saw the Cardinals pull off the upset on a reporter’s cell phone, others jammed themselves into a corner of the visitors locker room to watch the final seconds of the game on a tiny television screen.

Afterwards, Niners quarterback Brock Purdy said it was ‘special’ to be able to share that moment with his teammates the way he remembered seeing other teams do it when he was growing up.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

‘This was something I’d seen on TV growing up and now we get to all cram into a corner of the locker room and watch on a little TV,’ Purdy said.

To put things in perspective, Purdy just turned 24 last week, which makes him a couple years younger than FedExField itself (which opened Sept. 14, 1997).

Considering the stadium’s long list of structural and other issues, one has to wonder if Purdy just might be younger than that television set as well.

Elvis is in the building.

Not just one Elvis, but two, three, four, five … twenty!

The Vegas Golden Knights showed up to the Winter Classic against the Seattle Kraken in style. Each member of the team got off the bus at T-Mobile Park in Seattle wearing a bedazzled white flared bodysuit, black wig and gold sunglasses to honor none other than Elvis Presley.

Defenseman Alec Martinez came up with the idea, per ESPN. His teammates Keegan Kolesar and Zach Whitecloud were supportive of the Vegas theme and marveled how he got all the costumes ready.

‘It’s a great question — I am not exactly sure where he got them from,’ Whitecloud said. ‘He got ‘er done!’

The Kraken showed off their own city’s culture proudly. They supported Seattle-based outdoor apparel company Filson and wore orange wading bibs, hunting caps and boots. Each player held a fake fish and some tossed them into the crowd just like fans might see done at Pike Place Market.

“We wanted to do something that showcased the outdoors of Seattle, something fun, something vibrant,” Kraken winger Brandon Tanev told GQ of the look — not to be confused with Nashville Predators fans’ tradition of throwing catfish on the ice. “We decided on doing something with fishing vibes.

‘Pike Place is a staple place for tourists that people to go down to visit. You always see the individuals there out at the market, chucking fish. It’s a famous thing. So we wanted an outfit that represented that, along with being on the water. Fishermen on vessels, that’s what they’re wearing.”

Dressing up with a theme is becoming a Winter Classic tradition. Last year, the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated Fenway Park by wearing throwback uniforms from their respective MLB teams. The Bruins wore 1935 Boston Red Sox uniforms while the Penguins donned outfits from 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates team.

A season earlier, temperatures were expected to reach historic lows at Target Field in Minnesota. So the St. Louis Blues showed up in beach attire, flip flops and all.

Neither the NFL nor the Jaguars had any comment Monday on Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper throwing the contents of a drink into a crowd near the end of his team’s 26-0 loss at Jacksonville on Sunday.

The league said it’s aware of the video showing Tepper’s reaction after rookie quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception with less than 3 minutes to play.

It wasn’t clear whether Tepper was reacting to something said to him or another loss for the NFL’s worst team. The Panthers are 2-14 and won’t even have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft because it was traded to Chicago for the top pick used to select Young.

The Jaguars also declined to comment.

Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer was standing near Tepper when he tossed whatever remained of his drink while watching the game from a club suite.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

In 2009, the NFL fined the late Titans owner Bud Adams $250,000 for making an obscene gesture at Buffalo fans while celebrating Tennessee’s victory over the Bills.

Fans have been banned from stadiums for throwing drinks at players.

It’s been a rough year for Tepper, who fired first-year coach Frank Reich after just 11 games. Since Tepper bought the Panthers less than six years ago, he has gone through coaches Ron Rivera, Matt Rhule and Reich, plus interim coaches Perry Fewell, Steve Wilks and Chris Tabor.

The Rock returned to WWE, and he might be staying around for a huge matchup.

WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque teased that a former WWE champion would appear on ‘Raw Day One’ Monday night in San Diego, fueling speculation of who it could be. When it came time, the crowd inside Pechanga Arena was hyped to see it could be, only to be disappointed to see it was Jinder Mahal returning.

But when Mahal was cutting a promo, that’s when Johnson’s music hit the arena, sending the crowd into a frenzy as he returned for the first time since on ‘Smackdown’ in September.

The Rock poked fun at Mahal, even at the expense of his movie career. After continuing to bash on him, Mahal attacked The Rock, but the ‘People’s Champion’ fired back by delivering some blows and his signature spinebuster, then capping it off with the people’s elbow.

The Rock hints at possible WrestleMania match with Roman Reigns

Before The Rock departed, he asked a question to the crowd.

‘I’m gonna go get something to eat,’ he said. ‘When The Rock goes out to get something to eat tonight, in San Diego, should The Rock sit in a booth, or should The Rock sit at the bar?

‘Or, should The Rock sit at the head of the table?,’ he said as the crowd erupted.

The mention of the head of the table gives nod to the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, hinting that a possible feud, and match, could be coming between two of the biggest names in the company’s history.

Back on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ in September, The Rock said that a match between him and Reigns was ‘locked in’ to happening at WrestleMania 39 in April 2023, but ultimately plans weren’t able to be finalized. Wrestling fans have long wanted the two Samoan wrestling icons to be in the ring together, and told McAfee he would be open to still making it happen at a WrestleMania.

The next chance would be WrestleMania 40, which will be April 6-7 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, meaning there could be a chance The Rock is seen a lot more leading up to the company’s biggest event.

Who has it better than Michigan? Nobody.

The top-ranked team in the country was able to claw back from a fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide in overtime, 27-20, in the 2024 Rose Bowl to send the Wolverines to their first national championship game this century. 

After struggling to move the ball in the second half – and facing a touchdown deficit – the Michigan offense was able to put together its best drive of the game in the final minutes to tie it and send it to overtime. Blake Corum was able to score on the opening overtime possession, while the defense stopped Alabama on fourth and goal on the following possession to win the game.

Michigan will now await the winner of the Sugar Bowl between Washington and Texas to face in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 8 in Houston. It will be the first time the Wolverines will play in a national championship game since the BCS began in 1998, and they will be seeking their first national title since 1997. It was also Michigan’s first College Football Playoff win after losing in the semifinals the past two years.

As for Alabama, the team that made the playoffs despite lots of controversy for getting picked over Florida State, it will be another season without a national championship, as the now three-season drought is the longest for the Crimson Tide in the Nick Saban era.

USA TODAY Sports provided highlights, updates and more from from the 2024 Rose Bowl below.

Michigan vs. Alabama Rose Bowl final score, results

Michigan: 27Alabama: 20

Michigan vs. Alabama Rose Bowl updates, highlights

USA TODAY Sports will be tracking updates, highlights and more from the 2024 Rose Bowl below.

Michigan stuffs Jalen Milroe, downs Alabama in OT

The Wolverines are headed to the ‘chip.

Alabama got to the 3-yard line to set up a fourth-and-goal to keep the game alive. The snap was low, but Jalen Milroe picked it up and tried to run it in. The Wolverines defense was ready, tackling Milroe at the 2-yard line to get the stop and win the Rose Bowl in a dramatic finish. –Jordan Mendoza

Michigan strikes first in OT

It only took two plays for Michigan to go up in overtime.

The Wolverines had the first possession of the extra period. They handed the ball to star running back Blake Corum on the first play and he got 8 yards. They handed it to him again and he scampered left and swirled through some Alabama defenders for the 17-yard touchdown.

Michigan is up 27-20. –Victoria Hernandez

College football overtime rules

The overtime rules in college football are a bit different in years past, as after the second overtime, each team gets only one play. Here is the format:

First OT: Normal period, with both teams chance to score.Second OT: Same as first overtime, but if team scores touchdown, team must go for two-point conversion.Third OT and after: One play for each team for two-point conversion.

Why Nick Saban was right to play for overtime

It’s fourth-and-4 from the Alabama 43-yard line. Alabama needs 5 yards for a first down and 7 to cross midfield. With 54 seconds left, Nick Saban made the right call to punt the ball back to Michigan.

 If Alabama took a chance and failed, Michigan would’ve had an opportunity to kick a game-winning field goal. While Michigan’s kicker is having a rough night, Saban didn’t toy with the possibility.

Alabama nearly had a muffed punt to recover. But securing overtime by not forcing the issue offensively could bode well for the Crimson Tide. –Safid Deen

End of fourth quarter: Rose Bowl heads to OT after late Michigan heroics

The Rose Bowl is heading to overtime, though it almost didn’t.

Michigan’s Jake Thaw nearly iced the game for Alabama, botching a punt reception and pinning the Wolverines back against its goal line. Before that, though, J.J. McCarthy and Michigan’s offense tied the game late with a dizzying drive that led to a game-tying TD.

Now, ‘Bama and Michigan head to OT to determine who will head to the CFP championship game. –Joe Rivera

Rose Bowl heads to overtime following near muffed punt

Michigan came so close to gifting Alabama a win, recovering a muffed punt inside its own 1-yard line before recovering it.

Jake Thaw was back deep to return the punt, but he couldn’t secure the catch at the 7-yard line. He was able to get to the ball right before it went into end zone, and he took a massive hit from the Alabama defenders, but he hung on.

Michigan was able to scoot forward on the next play before taking a knee, setting up an overtime finish in the Rose Bowl, the third overtime game in College Football Playoff history. –Jordan Mendoza

Michigan ties it with late touchdown

Roman Wilson made the spectacular catch to keep Michigan alive, and he made the play to tie the Rose bowl with 94 seconds left.

J.J. McCarthy found Wilson in motion for the 4-yard touchdown pass in what was a must-score drive for the Wolverines. Michigan had a botched extra point earlier, but there were no issues with this one: James Turner knocked it in to make it 20-all as Alabama gets the ball. –Jordan Mendoza

Michigan uses three plays to change the game

The Tide has turned on the Crimson Tide thanks to three Michigan plays in crunch time. 

A 27-yard completion to running back Black Corum out of the backfield.

A 16-yard run by quarterback J.J. McCarthy who was pushed late out of bounds, but Alabama was not called for a penalty. 

And a 29-yard completion from McCarthy to a soaring Roman Wilson to get to the 5-yard line.

A stunning sequence set up Michigan’s touchdown to tie the game with 1:34 remaining. –Safid Deen

Alabama furthers lead with dramatic field goal

Alabama furthered their lead with a field goal in the fourth quarter.

After Jalen Milroe was sacked by Michigan’s Braiden McGregor, the Crimson Tide faced a fourth-and-14.

With 4:41 on the clock, Will Reichard lined up for the 52-yard field goal. He kicked the ball for a wide arc that initially looked wide right, but then sailed through the uprights.

Alabama is up 20-13. –Victoria Hernandez

Michigan misses field goal following Milroe fumble

The defense got a huge turnover, but the offense can’t do anything with it.

Michigan put together a few promising plays after the Alabama fumble, but an attempted flea flicker did not work out at all, as the fumble on the handoff resulted in a loss of seven yards. Michigan was able to scoot up to set up a 49-yard field goal, but James Turner’s kick hooked left and was no good.

It was the latest special teams mistake for the Wolverines, who had a muffed punt turn into an Alabama touchdown in the first quarter, and bad snap led to a failed extra point attempt in the second quarter. –Jordan Mendoza

Jalen Milroe fumble leads to good Michigan field position

Just when it looked like the Crimson Tide could take complete control, a mistake happens.

Jalen Milore tried to get past the Michigan defense on a read option when he began to stumble. The ball then got stripped out by Michigan’s Quinten Johnson. The ball bounced and Michigan’s Josh Wallace pounced on the ball, a costly Alabama mistake in the final quarter.

Michigan starts its drive near midfield, giving a stagnant offense a chance to move the ball.

Michigan punts after Alabama touchdown

Alabama’s defense has locked in. And that’s bad news for Michigan. 

The Wolverines offense responded to Alabama’s go-ahead touchdown with their second straight three-and-out. Michigan has gained just 23 yards on 10 plays since the second half began. -Safid Deen

Jalen Milroe, Jase McClellan use their legs to give Alabama the lead

The Tide are now rolling.

The great field position led to Alabama getting back in the end zone, with a touchdown in the first 30 seconds of the fourth quarter makes it a 17-13 Crimson Tide lead.

Starting at its own 45-yard line, Alabama relied on the legs of Jalen Milroe to get the offense into the red zone, including a 18-yard run to get Alabama to the three-yard line. On the next play, Jase McClellan waltz into the end zone for his second touchdown of the day.

Milroe ran for 37 of the 55 yards on the touchdown drive, and despite getting sacked five times on Monday, Alabama has 117 rushing yards on the day. –Jordan Mendoza

End of third quarter: Michigan, Alabama defenses pitch shutouts

For fans of a defensive struggle, this game is for you.

After both offenses were able to move the ball a bit in the first half, both defenses stepped up to prevent scoring in the third quarter, with Michigan leading ‘Bama by 3 entering the fourth quarter.

J.J. McCarthy has been a bit off on recent drives, missing a few gimme throws while Alabama’s secondary has been coming up big. Entering the fourth, Alabama has a scoring opportunity.

Alabama defense keeping it a one-score game

It hasn’t been the prettiest start to the second half for the Alabama offense, but the defense is keeping it a one-possession game with the Michigan offense unable to do much.

On its opening drive of the second half, Michigan was only able to get one first down before it punted the ball. After Alabama went three-and-out, Michigan also went three-and-out in what is turning into a field position battle between the two teams.

Alabama will get great field position late in the third quarter, starting with the ball at its 45-yard line.

In the third quarter, there’s been 56 total yards in 21 plays from both sides. –Jordan Mendoza

Bad snaps doom Alabama’s opening second half drive

Seth McLaughlin would like to forget the Crimson Tide’s opening drive of the third quarter, as the center’s bad snaps led to the offense stalling.

Alabama picked up some first downs to open the second half, a promising start for the team with them getting into Michigan territory. But McLaughlin snapped the ball too early on the next play, and the errant snap was pounced on by Jalen Milroe for a 13-yard loss. On the next play, McLaughlin had another bad snap that led to a six-yard loss, setting up a long third down play. 

Alabama was unable to get the long play, and punted it back to Michigan. –Jordan Mendoza

Rose Bowl odds at halftime

Here’s how the Rose Bowl betting odds have changed at halftime before the second half (per BetMGM):

Spread: Michigan (-3.5). Pregame: Michigan -1.5).Moneyline: Michigan (-115) or Alabama (-110). Pregame (-120) or Alabama (+100).Over/under: 45.5. It moved up a point from 44.5 before the game.

Halftime: Michigan leads Alabama by 3

It’s halftime at the Rose Bowl, and Michigan is in the lead. 

Michigan, the No. 1 team in the country, has a 13-10 lead over No. 4 Alabama at halftime in the first of two College Football Playoff semifinal games on Monday. 

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has two touchdown passes to lead the way, including a 38-yard catch from Tyler Morris to take the lead with 3:49 left in the first half. 

Jim Harbaugh was pleased with Michigan’s defensive effort. 

“Really good. I love the three-and-outs we’ve got on defense. We’ve put pressure on the quarterback. We’ve covered the back end pretty well,” he said at halftime. 

Alabama relied on an early 34-yard touchdown run by Jase McClellan, and a 50-yard field goal by kicker Will Reichard with seven seconds left before halftime. 

“The big thing is we got to protect the passer. We’ve been sacked five or six times, and those are all drive stoppers,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said at halftime.

“So, we got to run the ball more effectively, we have to mix it up, we have to move the pocket a little bit and get them blocked up front because I think we have some plays down the field.”

Alabama will start the second half on offense. –Safid Deen

Alabama adds field goal right before halftime

Alabama looked to be heading toward tying or possibly taking the lead before halftime, but the Michigan defensive line continues to wreak havoc. 

Jalen Milroe was able to use his arm and legs to get the Crimson Tide into Michigan territory, but on a third-and-three, Michigan’s Derrick Moore got to Milroe for the fifth Wolverine sack in the first half.

It put Alabama back, but SEC special teams player of the year Will Reichard saved the drive, perfectly knocking in a 50-yard field goal with seconds left in the second quarter to make it a 13-10 Michigan lead. –Jordan Mendoza

Tyler Morris scores catch-and-run TD, puts Michigan up by 6

Tyler Morris turned on the Jets and burned the Tide.

Scoring for the first time since the first quarter, Michigan passer J.J. McCarthy followed up some wizardry with a TD pass to Morris. Morris, though, did a lot of the work, taking the ball to the house after tiptoeing down the sidelines and extending the ball just over the pylon.

A botched snap on the extra point would cost Michigan, putting the Wolverines up by 6 points instead of 7. –Joe Rivera

Michigan trick play barely works

J.J. McCarthy got a face full of grass, but it was worth it. 

The Wolverines dialed up a trick play with Donovan Edwards taking a handoff, but throwing a backward pass to McCarthy. McCarthy barely got a hold of the ball with a one-handed catch and threw it before he got hit, finding Roman Wilson streaking toward the sideline for a 20-yard pass.

McCarthy was slow to get up from the hit, but he was able to stay in. He and his teammates came to help pick off the grass stuck inside his facemask. 

Michigan defense keeping pressure on Milroe

Michigan is overpowering the Alabama offensive line, sacking Jalen Milroe twice to open the second quarter to give the unit four sacks in the game already.

Michael Barrett and Kris Jenkins got back-to-back sacks on Milroe, which set up a long third down the Crimson Tide weren’t able to convert. 

Alabama punted it back to Michigan after its third three-and-out of the day, and the protection will need to improve if the Crimson Tide want to get back to scoring. Alabama came into the game as one of the worst teams in the country in preventing sacks, giving up 3.3 sacks a game this season, ranking 115th in the country. –Jordan Mendoza

End of first quarter: Michigan and Alabama tied at 7

The opening quarter of the 2024 Rose Bowl had a bit of everything: Controversy, close calls, missed calls and more.

The Crimson Tide and the Wolverines head into the second quarter tied at 7 apiece, with touchdowns from Michigan standout running back Blake Corum and Alabama back Jase McClellan.

After a J.J. McCarthy near-INT opened up the game, there was more hijinks afoot, with the Wolverines muffing a punt that led to the McClellan score.

Aside from that, both defenses came to play. Don’t expect a high-scoring affair in Pasadena. -Joe Rivera

Michigan responds with Blake Corum touchdown

After a mistake lead to an Alabama touchdown, Michigan was able to get on the board with another touchdown from FBS scoring leader Blake Corum.

The running back did most of the work on the drive, getting the offense going with a 21-yard run on the second play of the possession.  

Facing a fourth-and-1 in Alabama territory, Jim Harbaugh opted to keep the offense on the field, and it paid off with Blake Corum running for four yards through the middle to keep the drive alive.

The Michigan momentum continued with the Wolverines continuing to go down the field, and J.J. McCarthy was able to find Corum wide open in the endzone for an eight-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.

Corum accounted for 41 of the 75 yards on the 10-play scoring drive, and gave the senior another score to what already has been a touchdown frenzy for him this season. It was his 25th touchdown this season, the most in the country. -Jordan Mendoza

Alabama strikes first after Michigan muffs punt

The first official mistake of the game comes from the Wolverines.

After forcing Alabama to punt on its opening drive, Semaj Morgan couldn’t cleanly secure the ball on the catch. A massive dogpile ensued, and Alabama’s Quandarrius Robinson came up with the ball to give the offense possession at the Michigan 44-yard line.

The offense was much more efficient this time around, doing all of its damage on the ground, capped off with a Jase McClellan run for 34 yards into the end zone. The Crimson Tide now lead 7-0 just over five minutes into the semifinal. –Jordan Mendoza

Michigan sacks Jalen Milroe twice on opening drive 

The Michigan defensive line broke right through the line, and Braiden McGregor sacked Jalen Milroe for 13 yards on the Crimson Tide’s first offensive play.

The pressure got to Milroe again a few plays later, with Josaiah Stewart getting an 11-yard sack to force a three-and-out. – Jordan Mendoza

Alabama opening interception reviewed, reversed

The Crimson Tide almost had the perfect start.

Michigan began the Rose Bowl with the ball, but it appeared to be a disaster to start as J.J. McCarthy was picked off Alabama’s Caleb Downs on the first play of the game.

However, the play was reviewed, and Downs was out of bounds on the catch, giving the Wolverines a big break. They weren’t able to do much, going three-and-out on the opening drive and punting it to Alabama. – Jordan Mendoza

How to watch Michigan vs. Alabama in the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on ESPN. 

Like most years, ESPN will have a megacast of all the action from the semifinal, giving viewers different ways to watch the game. Options include Field Pass with “The Pat McAfee Show,” which will have alternate commentary and guests on the game, and the skycast camera just above the field. Here are the other options to watch the game, and where to watch it:

ESPN: Main broadcastESPN2: Field Pass with “The Pat McAfee Show”ESPNEWS: Skycast – above the field and typically behind the offenseESPNU: Command center – a multi-angle presentation with statsESPN App: All-22 cameraESPN App: Michigan home radio broadcastESPN App and SEC Network: Alabama home radio broadcast

What New Year’s Day college football games are on today? 

Here are the kickoff times and TV info for the Jan. 1 bowl games, including the College Football Playoff matchups.  

ReliaQuest Bowl: Wisconsin vs. No. 13 LSU, ESPN2, 12 p.m.Citrus Bowl: No. Iowa vs. No. 23 Tennessee, ABC, 1 p.m.Fiesta Bowl: No. 20 Liberty vs. No. 8 Oregon, ESPN, 1 p.m.College Football Playoff semifinal (Rose Bowl): No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 1 Michigan, ESPN, 5 p.m. College Football Playoff semifinal (Sugar Bowl): No. 3 Texas vs. No. 2 Washington, ESPN, 8 p.m.

Alabama vs. Michigan picks

Here are our College Football Playoff semifinal expert picks:

Scooby Axson: AlabamaJace Evans: AlabamaPaul Myerberg: AlabamaErick Smith: AlabamaEddie Timanus: AlabamaDan Wolken: Alabama

College Football Playoff: Rose Bowl odds

The Michigan Wolverines are favorites to defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide, according to BetMGM odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps, including the new ESPN BET app.

Spread: Michigan (-1.5)Moneyline: Michigan (-120); Alabama (+100)Over/under: 44.5

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. Our college football betting guide can help you get started, and we have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. 

Is Jim Harbaugh coaching in the Rose Bowl?

The Wolverines will have their head coach in the semifinal matchup, as Jim Harbaugh will be on the sidelines in Pasadena.

Harbaugh has missed six games this season due to suspension, starting with Michigan’s first three games of the season against East Carolina, UNLV and Bowling Green. The suspension was self-imposed by Michigan, as Harbaugh reportedly faces punishment from the NCAA over the investigation into possible recruiting violations and misleading NCAA investigators. He returned for the Big Ten opener against Rutgers.

As a result of the sign-stealing scandal, Harbaugh was suspended by the Big Ten for the final three games of the regular season, missing the contests against Penn State, Maryland and rival Ohio State, all of which were wins. The 59-year-old coach returned for the Wolverines in the Big Ten Championship Game against Iowa.

What uniforms will Michigan, Alabama wear in the Rose Bowl?

Two traditional blue bloods will sport their traditional threads inside the Rose Bowl on Monday. Alabama will sport its red helmet with white jersey and pants, while Michigan will don its classic blue and maize helmet with blue jerseys and maize pants. Michigan is also going with a retro detail with the Rose Bowl patch on the shoulder pads in honor of the 1998 national championship team.

How did Michigan get into the College Football Playoff?

Even with all of the scandals surrounding the program, Michigan didn’t lose focus en route to a perfect season that was capped with a third-straight Big Ten title.

In their 13-0 season, the Wolverines have been dominant on both sides of the ball. The offense’s 36.7 points per game is 14th in the country, while the scoring defense is first with only 9.5 points per game allowed, and the only team giving up less than 10 points per game. Michigan has won its games by an average scoring margin of 27.2 points, the best in FBS. 

Michigan defeated previously unbeaten Ohio State 30-24 in the regular season finale for its third-straight victory over its rival and clinched a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. There, the Wolverines shutout Iowa 26-0.

With Georgia’s loss in the SEC Championship Game, Michigan moved up to No. 1 in the College Football Playoff ranking, its first time being ranked first since 1997.

How did Alabama get into the College Football Playoff?

The odds seemed slim, but Alabama was able to get back into the playoff after a less-than-ideal start to the season.

Alabama fell to Texas and had quarterback issues early in the season, but the team righted the ship with Jalen Milroe taking over the starting duties heading into SEC play. The Crimson Tide rattled off 11 straight wins after the 1-1 start, capturing another SEC West title to face the back-to-back defending champion Georgia Bulldogs.

In the SEC Championship Game, Alabama stunned Georgia by knocking off the Bulldogs. The win proved to be the difference in the College Football Playoff, with the Crimson Tide going from No. 7 in the rankings to sneaking in at No. 4, the first time a team ranked higher than sixth heading into the final rankings release made it in.

Michigan College Football Playoff history

The Rose Bowl will mark Michigan’s third-straight appearance in the playoff, but its luck hasn’t been the best. The Wolverines are 0-2 in playoff games, losing to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl last season. 

Here is the history of Michigan in the College Football Playoff:

2021 Orange Bowl (semifinal): Loss to Georgia, 34-112022 Fiesta bowl (semifinal): Loss to TCU, 51-45

Alabama College Football Playoff history

Since the College Football Playoff was introduced in 2014, no one has been more than Alabama.

The Crimson Tide will be making a record eighth appearance in the playoff, as they’ve been in every edition of it except for 2019 and 2022. Alabama also has nine wins in the College Football Playoff and three championships, the most in the playoff’s history.

Here is what Alabama finished in each College Football Playoff appearance:

2014-15: Loss to Ohio State in semifinal2015-16: National championship2016-17: Loss to Clemson in national championship game2017-18: National championship2018-2019: Loss to Clemson in national championship game2020-21: National championship2021-22: Loss to Georgia in national championship game

Michigan vs. Alabama series history

The 2024 Rose Bowl will be the sixth time Alabama and Michigan have met on the football field, with the Crimson Tide holding a 3-2 advantage in the series. 

The two school’s have mostly met in bowl games, including their most recent meeting in the 2020 Citrus Bowl. Alabama won that game 35-16. Here is the series history between the two powerhouses:

1988 Hall of Fame Bowl: Michigan 28, Alabama 241997 Outback Bowl: Alabama 17, Michigan 142000 Orange Bowl: Michigan 35, Alabama 342012: Alabama 41, Michigan 14 in Arlington, Texas2020 Citrus Bowl: Alabama 35, Michigan 16

Monday’s matchup will also be between the schools with the most wins in college football history. Michigan has the most with 1,002 wins, while Alabama is second with 965.

Jim Harbaugh has led Michigan to arguably its biggest heights

Winners of three outright Big Ten championships in a row, something never before achieved in program history.

Three consecutive appearances in the College Football Playoff.

Win or lose in the Rose Bowl matchup on New Year’s Day against Alabama, three top-five finishes in a row for the first time in the poll era.

Even without a national championship on the ledger, it’s possible to view this as the most accomplished three-year run in the modern era of Michigan football.

– Read more from Paul Myerberghere.

Alabama maintains secrecy ahead of Michigan matchup

The Connor Stalions effect is apparently still affecting Michigan’s opponents. 

During Thursday’s media session to kick off College Football Playoff semifinal week at the Rose Bowl, multiple Alabama players said that the coaching staff had been restricting them from bringing their iPads home to review practice film and were only watching collectively in position groups as a security precaution. 

It’s unclear exactly why Alabama is going to such lengths, as the sign-stealing allegations against Michigan this season centered on Stalions deploying a network of associates to film the sidelines of opponents and potential opponents during games in an attempt to decode signals. In-person scouting is prohibited by NCAA rules.

But Alabama’s departure from its normal preparation is notable, given the focus on Michigan’s alleged espionage capabilities during the season.

– Read more from Dan Wolkenhere.

College Football Fix 

There was controversy whenthe College Football Playoff semifinals pairings were announced earlier this month, but the matchups might be the best in the playoff era.

The first showdown on New Year’s Day will see Michigan face off with Alabama in the Rose Bowl. The nightcap has Texas and Washington clashing in the Sugar Bowl. Which teams will prevail and advance to the national title game in Houston on Jan. 8?

Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports discuss these topics and more in this week’s version of the College Football Fix.