The College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl features a tight contest between No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama, with Michigan leading 13-10 at halftime. The game is surrounded by controversy due to Alabama's selection over an undefeated ACC champion and Michigan's coach Jim Harbaugh's suspensions. The game can be watched live on Monday, Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN or via live stream on Fubo. Alabama has a storied history in the CFP, while Michigan is seeking its first playoff win in its third appearance. Despite the uncertainties, predictions lean slightly towards Alabama due to their proven track record in the CFP.
The Rose Bowl on New Year's Day will feature a college football playoff semifinal clash between No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama, marking only the sixth meeting between the two storied programs. Michigan had a more straightforward season, while Alabama faced early challenges but regained form to secure their playoff spot. Key players to watch include Alabama QB Jalen Milroe, Michigan DB Mike Sainristil, and Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner. The game is expected to be a close contest, with Alabama having slight advantages in certain areas. The prediction leans towards Alabama with a +1.5 advantage according to Caesars Sportsbook.
During ESPN's "College GameDay," analysts made their picks for the College Football Playoff games, with Pat McAfee being the sole analyst to choose Alabama over Michigan, despite acknowledging Michigan's strong season. Desmond Howard and Lee Corso both picked Michigan, with Corso also predicting Texas to win the national championship. The analysts also made picks for other bowl games, with varying opinions on the outcomes.
The Rose Bowl, doubling as a College Football Playoff semifinal, features a highly anticipated clash between Michigan and Alabama. Experts predict a tough, physical game, with Alabama favored due to their momentum from defeating Georgia and Nick Saban's playoff record. Concerns for Michigan center around their ability to score against Alabama's formidable defense. Predictions lean towards Alabama securing a victory and advancing to the national championship game.
ESPN host Scott Van Pelt has chosen to back Michigan with a -2 spread against Alabama in his "winners" segment, despite his usual rule of taking Alabama when they're getting points. He cites the "not a single human" rule for his decision, as no one seems to be favoring Michigan to win. Van Pelt has a 4-2 record when picking Michigan and notes the discomfort of the decision, likening it to a risky move in blackjack. The game is set to kick off at the Rose Bowl at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Expert predictions for the College Football Playoff semifinals suggest a close game between Alabama and Michigan, with a slight edge given to Alabama as an underdog. The total points for this game are expected to exceed 44.5, considering both teams' offensive capabilities. In the Washington vs. Texas matchup, Texas is favored due to a more complete team and a strong defensive line, but the game is anticipated to be high-scoring, with a total points prediction over 63.5. Both games are expected to be competitive and entertaining, with the outcomes potentially shaping the national championship landscape.
