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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Blake Schuster

10 most chaotic moments from Michigan’s Rose Bowl victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff

The 2024 Rose Bowl was an instant classic.

No. 1 Michigan stormed back late to tie No. 4 Alabama in the fourth quarter before winning the second overtime in Rose Bowl history by stopping the Crimson Tide on fourth-and-goal.

Michigan 27. Alabama 20. Wolverines to the national championship game.

The Rose Bowl isn’t just easy to rely on for iconic sunsets, gorgeous views and some of the best college football teams lining up on the famed grass. It also routinely provides some of the most memorable games in college sports history.

New Year’s Day in 2024 was another one of those events, with the two high-powered contenders trading off momentum-swinging plays from the very first snap.

Here are the 10 most chaotic moments as Michigan moves one win away from history.

1
Michigan gets picked off on the first play from scrimmage (but it's called back!)

This was so close to a nightmare start for Michigan (or dream start for Alabama), but the first snap of the game was immediately overturned after referees ruled Caleb Downs stepped out of bounds before intercepting J.J. McCarthy.

2
Michigan's (first) muffed punt

This would become a terrifying theme for the Wolverines all game.

3
Trouble with the snap(s)!

Michigan’s Achilles’ heel was special teams. Alabama’s was simply snapping the football. The issues that plagued the Crimson Tide offense all season long weren’t solved during the last month of prep for the Rose Bowl. If anything, they almost looked to have gotten worse.

4
Jalen Milroe's escape act

Watching this replay it’s still baffling Milroe wasn’t sacked, let alone picked up the first down.

5
McCarthy fumbles a flea flicker

Turning the ball over at midfield early in the fourth quarter could’ve completely ended Michigan’s comeback attempt before it began.

6
Milroe fumbles at midfield

See, we told you how disastrous fumbling at midfield can be.

7
Roman Wilson sets up a touchdown after a tipped pass

How tight of a spiral does J.J. McCarthy throw if this pass is still a dart Roman Wilson after getting tipped. We’re very likely looking at an Alabama interception if the wideout doesn’t go up and snatch that ball.

Instead Wilson finishes the drive off with a touchdown to tie the game.

8
Michigan muffs punt at the goal line before OT

We were this close to witnessing the most infamous muffed punt in college football history.

9
Blake Corum bullies his way to a go-ahead touchdown in OT

The touchdown that lifted Michigan to the national title game.

10
Milroe stopped on 4th and Ballgame

This play call was certainly a choice. What a rough way to go out. What an incredible win for Michigan.

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