Resilience Unveils the Excellence of America's Team, says Wolverines Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
The College Football Playoff semifinals showcase a fierce battle among four top teams, each hungry to secure a spot in the highly anticipated January 8 national championship game Don't miss the thrilling matchups: Michigan vs Alabama and Washington vs Texas Tune in now!
The College Football Playoff semifinals are set for Monday, with four teams competing for a spot in the national championship game on January 8. Michigan, Washington, Texas, and Alabama are the remaining contenders for the New Year's Day games, after Florida State was excluded from the top four.
Heres all you need to know about the semifinals:
How to watch
The No. 1 Michigan Wolverines (13-0) are set to play against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California at 5 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, the No. 2 Washington Huskies (13-0) will face off against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns (12-1) at the Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans at 8:45 p.m. ET.
Both games will be shown on ESPN.
Michigan vs. Alabama
Americas team
This is the third season in a row that the Wolverines have made the College Football Playoff but Michigan failed to make it past the semifinal stage in each of the last two years.
Michigan enters the game this year as a top contender for the national title. However, the team has faced a season filled with controversy off the field. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for the first three games of the season as a result of NCAA recruiting violations, with the possibility of further penalties pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
In October, the NCAA initiated a new investigation into the Wolverines for suspected sign-stealing. This resulted in the suspension and later resignation of Michigan football analyst Connor Stalions. Furthermore, linebackers coach Chris Partidge was terminated. Although Harbaugh has denied any involvement in the sign-stealing scheme, he accepted a three-game suspension, bringing his total games away from Michigan's sideline to six.
Both NCAA investigations into Michigan are ongoing.
Harbaugh said he believes adversity has brought the best out of Wolverines.
"The emotion, perseverance, and stalwartness of these guys make it America's team. America loves a team that beats the odds and overcomes adversity," Harbaugh said of his team in November. "It overcomes what the naysayers, critics, and so-called experts think. That's my favorite kind of team."
Michigan's season has been defined by the leadership of quarterback J.J McCarthy, who is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming semifinal game against Alabama. McCarthy is anticipated to be a top pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and his prospects could soar even higher if he leads Michigan to a national championship.
Additionally, running back Blake Corum has been instrumental in the Wolverines' success this season, earning recognition as the team's offensive player of the year and comeback player of the year. Corum has once again surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season, repeating his impressive performance from last year's campaign.
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J McCarthy has impressed so far this season.
Rick Osentoski/USA Today Sports via Reuters
Beating all the odds
Alabama enters the semifinals with an impressive 12-1 record, with their only loss coming against fellow semifinalist Texas earlier in the season.
The team features a well-rounded offense with multiple players contributing to their success, but quarterback Jalen Milroe has been the standout player. Despite a rocky start to the season, including two interceptions in the loss to Texas and being benched in week 3, Milroe has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Following the close call with an upset, head coach Nick Saban reinstated Milroe as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide and he has shown significant improvement since then. Milroe has accumulated 2,718 passing yards this season, along with an impressive 468 rushing yards, showcasing his versatile skills both as a passer and a runner.
"I don't fit the typical quarterback mold," Milroe explained to reporters. "At first glance, you might think I'm a defensive back or a tight end, but I'm here playing quarterback."
"When I was growing up and went to camp, they always saw me as a receiver or someone who couldn't play quarterback," he said. "But I defied expectations and ended up excelling as a quarterback, and I strive to continue doing so as much as possible."
Saban, the head coach with the most national titles in college football history, currently has seven. Milroe could potentially help him achieve his eighth.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks with star quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Vasha Hunt/AP
Washington vs. Texas
Well be good
Like Michigan, the Washington Huskies come into the semifinals with a 13-0 record and a lot of their success can be attributed to quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Penix, a Heisman Trophy finalist, has passed for 4,218 yards and 33 touchdowns, leading to a rise in his draft stock. His strong performances in the playoffs could further boost his prospects. Additionally, Penix appears confident as he prepares for the Sugar Bowl.
"I have to admit, their D-line is strong. However, they haven't faced our o-line," Penix informed reporters in anticipation of his game against the Longhorns, according to Brett McMurphy. "They are a good team, but it's not like we're up against the 49ers D-line or the Eagles D-line, so we'll manage."
In addition to Penix, running back Dillon Johnson is crucial to getting the Huskies' offense going. Johnson accumulated 1,113 rushing yards during the regular season and asserts that he is fully fit for the upcoming Sugar Bowl.
"This is the first time I've been able to fully recover from my foot injury, and it's been a blessing because the rest came at the perfect time," Johnson said to reporters, as reported by ESPN, after taking a month off to heal.
Penix and Johnson will have to collaborate to create opportunities against the Longhorns defense.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will be key if the Huskies are to win their semifinal matchup.
Tom Hauck/Getty Images
Nobody wants it more
The Texas Longhorns enter New Orleans with an impressive 12-1 record and are determined to avenge their previous loss to Washington in last year's Alamo Bowl. With a strong offense, the Longhorns are confident in their ability to defeat the Huskies in the upcoming game.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers has had a successful year with a fast receiving core, who will aim to capitalize on his deep passes against the Washington defense.
Defender Jaylan Ford is confident that his team is well-prepared for the semifinal.
Jaylan Ford (right) says the Texas Longhorns know what they need to do to win.
According to Sports Illustrated Fan Nation, Ford stated that the team's mindset is currently strong, with a clear understanding of each player's role and responsibility.
"We all know what it takes to win, so now our focus is on addressing the mistakes made during our preparation. Our goal is clear - to win a National Championship. Every member of this team is determined to claim that title."
CNNs Wayne Sterling and David Close contributed to reporting.
