A semifinal clash between two elite teams kicked off the College Football Playoff on Monday. No. 1 Michigan defeated No. 4 Alabama 27-20 in overtime at the Rose Bowl.
After a sign-stealing probe and Jim Harbaugh's suspension, the Wolverines survived. A perfect 14-0 record is their quest for their first national title since 1997.
In their first CFP season after missing out last year, Alabama went 12-2. They entered Monday's game on an 11-game victory run but fell short of Nick Saban's seventh national title.
Michigan running back Blake Corum scored in two plays. He dashed between Alabama defenders for a 17-yard score after an eight-yard rush. Michigan led 27-20 after the PAT.
Alabama missed a score by two yards. Alabama faced a 4th-and-goal from the three-yard line, but Jalen Milroe was stopped after running up the middle.
Alabama led early in the fourth quarter after Jase McClellan's three-yard touchdown run. Crimson Tide lead 17-13 after PAT. Jalen Milroe helped score with 37 running yards on three carries.
Following a punt, Alabama regained possession of the ball; however, following a hit by Quinten Johnson, Milroe lost control of the ball near middle. Josh Wallace of Michigan was the one who grabbed the stray ball.
The Wolverines couldn't respond after missing a 49-yard field goal. Alabama's next possession ended with Will Reichard's 52-yard field goal after a nine-play, 35-yard drive.