Alabama vs. Michigan odds, line, spread: 2024 College Football Playoff picks, prediction by proven model
Nick Saban and the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide are seeking a seventh national title since 2009, but first they need to get past the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 Rose Bowl. The Tide (12-1) earned their controversial spot in the College Football Playoff semifinal by beating then-No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Michigan (13-0) cruised into the CFP semifinal by routing Iowa 26-0 in the Big Ten title game. The teams have met five times before, and the Tide have won three, most recently a 35-16 triumph in the 2019 Citrus Bowl. The winner will face Washington or Texas for the national title on Jan. 8.
Kickoff for the Rose Bowl 2024 is set for 5 p.m. ET on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Calif. The latest Alabama vs. Michigan odds list the Wolverines as 2.5-point favorites, according to the SportsLine consensus, and the over/under for total points is 45.5. Before making any Michigan vs. Alabama picks, be sure to see the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, it has generated a strong profit of well over $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. The model entered bowl season a profitable 13-9 on top-rated spread picks. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Alabama vs. Michigan and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several college football odds and betting lines for Michigan vs. Alabama:
- Alabama vs. Michigan spread: Wolverines -2.5
- Alabama vs. Michigan over/under: 45.5 points
- Alabama vs. Michigan money line: Wolverines -132, Crimson Tide +111
- ALA: The Crimson Tide are 14-8 ATS in their last 22 games at neutral sites
- MICH: The Wolverines are 12-8 ATS in their last 20 games against ranked teams
- Alabama vs. Michigan picks: See picks at SportsLine
- Alabama vs. Michigan live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why Michigan can cover
The Wolverines have arguably the best defense in the nation, and the offense is explosive. Michigan allows 9.5 points per game, fewest in FBS since 2011, 4.3 yards per play (fourth in FBS) and 2.9 per rush (sixth). The offense has scored at least 30 points in 11 of 13 games, with UM outscoring opponents by more than 27 per game. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy protects the ball (four interceptions) and ranks second in the nation in completion percentage (74.2).
After falling short the past two seasons, the Wolverines have to believe this is their year. The sign-stealing controversy and suspension of coach Jim Harbaugh also has galvanized the team. UM has lost three games over the past three seasons, fewer than any team aside from two-time defending champion Georgia. The Wolverines have turned the ball over just twice over the past 10 games, and running back Blake Corum (FBS-high 24 rushing TDs) is a game-changer. See which team to pick here.
Why Alabama can cover
The Crimson Tide haven't been an underdog against a team other than Georgia since 2009, but they're 6-2 straight-up in their past eight as underdogs. Bama is 9-4 against the spread this season and has won 11 straight games since a loss to Texas. The Tide will have a major chip on their shoulder after criticism of their CFP selection, and quarterback Jalen Milroe has become a game-changer after a rocky start to the season. Alabama is 10-0 straight-up and 8-2 ATS in his starts.
Milroe has accounted for 35 TDs and has 2,718 passing yards and 468 on the ground. Running backs Jase McClellan (803 rushing yards) and Roydell Williams (561) provide balance. Receiver Jermaine Burton averages 22.2 yards per catch (second in FBS) and has eight touchdowns for an offense that averages 35 points per game. The defense has 38 sacks (T-12 in FBS), led by Chris Braswell (eight) and Justin Eboigbe (seven), and Bama allows 18.4 points per game (17th). See which team to pick here.
How to make Alabama vs. Michigan picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 53 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
