Rose Bowl Odds: Picks & Betting Lines for Michigan vs Alabama on January 1, 2024
Get ready for a clash of titans! The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, is set to host a battle of epic proportions on New Year’s Day as the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines face off against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. This isn’t just a game; it’s a collision of bluebloods, a meeting of unstoppable forces, and a chance to witness history in the making.
The Wolverines, under the ever-energetic leadership of Coach Jim Harbaugh, enter the Rose Bowl undefeated and on top of the college football world. Their potent offense quarterback J.J. McCarthy boasts a balanced attack that can both pound the ground and light up the scoreboard through the air. Their running back tandem of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards is as good as any other in the country.
The Wolverines’ defense has been a nightmare for opposing offenses this season. They held the opposition to under 10 points per game, and less than 240 total yards per game during the 2023 campaign. Both of those marks are the best in the country.
But Michigan’s biggest weapon is its unwavering belief. After years of falling short in the big games, they finally seem poised to break through. The Rose Bowl is their chance to exorcise the demons of past failures and prove to the world that they belong on top.
The Crimson Tide, under the legendary Nick Saban, need no introduction. This will be Alabama’s eighth appearance in the college football playoff, and they have won six national championships with Saban in charge. Their roster is a who’s who of future NFL stars, led by the dangerous Jalen Milroe and the lockdown cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, as well as defensive end Dallas Turner. Their defense is a masterclass in controlled aggression, and their offense can score points in bunches when needed.
But this Alabama team is not without its flaws. Their offensive line has been inconsistent, and their running game has struggled at times. However, writing off Bama is never wise. Saban is a master motivator, and he has a knack for getting his players to peak at the right time. While people wrote the Tide off after early season struggles, they appear to be playing their best football.
Beyond the Xs and Os, this game will be decided by the intangibles. Can Michigan handle the pressure of being the No. 1 team in the country and get over the hump despite past College Football Playoff failure? Can Alabama continue to improve or will some of their early season struggles reappear? The team that executes better, plays with more heart, and makes fewer mistakes will be the one hoisting the trophy at the end of the night. This game has all the makings of an instant classic and a Rose Bowl for the ages.
Prediction: This should be a fascinating matchup! Michigan has looked very good at times this season, but was largely untested unit the end of their schedule. Bama really struggled early in the season but appears to be peaking at the right time. How much will experience matter? Will past failures linger for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines? This should be a great game, but it’s hard to bet against Nick Saban with a month of preparation. Pick: Alabama +1.5
Rose Bowl Viewing Info & Odds
You can view today’s game on ESPN+ or FuboTV. The odds are via DraftKings. You can sign up with them and get $150 in Bonus Bets when you place your initial $5 wager.
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Matt is from the Chicagoland area and has been working in Chicago sports since 2015 with stops at WGN Radio, the Chicago Blackhawks, Stadium, and NBC Sports Chicago prior to landing at Betsperts. Matt covers just about everything for Betsperts and Bleacher Nation but focuses on the NHL and college football.
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