Alabama vs. Michigan 2024 Rose Bowl Odds, Preview & Pick

By Hank Blaine • December 27, 2023

Top-ranked Michigan hopes to keep their National Championship dreams alive when the Wolverines battle 4 Alabama in the 2024 Rose Bowl CFP Semifinal on Monday, January 1st. The Wolverines went undefeated during the regular season. Alabama, though, is the best team John Harbaugh’s side has faced. Will Bama pull off a second straight upset over the first-ranked team in the nation? Or will Michigan end Alabama’s dream to lift the title trophy? Check out college football odds, analysis, and a free pick for Alabama versus Michigan.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan Wolverines 2024 Rose Bowl CFP Semifinal Game Information

Excitement is building for the Rose Bowl 2024!

Can't wait to see the teams battle it out in this iconic game.

Who will emerge victorious in this historic showdown? ️ #RoseBowl2024 #CollegeFootball #NewYearTradition #Football @rosebowl2024 pic.twitter.com/0cQsDjsMjV
— Rose Bowl 2024 (@rosebowl2024) November 23, 2023

When: Monday, January 1st, 2024, 5:00 PM ET
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
TV: ESPN
Radio: Tide 100.9 FM (Alabama) // WXYT-FM 97.1 (Michigan)
Live Stream: ESPN+
College Football Odds: Alabama (+1.5) // Michigan (-1.5)

Why Bet on the Alabama Crimson Tide?

Alabama’s defense didn’t play great versus the Texas Longhorns. However, Bama’s loss happened weeks ago in the first month of the regular season.

Since giving up 34 to fellow CFP participant Texas, the Crimson Tide has played great defense. LSU scored just 28 even though Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels pilots the Tigers.

Georgia scored just 24 in the SEC Championship. Bama’s defense has gotten better and better. On Monday, the Tide’s D projects to step it up big time.

Since being benched versus South Florida on the heels of a horrible performance against Texas, Bama starting QB Jalen Milroe has responded big time. Milroe’s decision-making has turned Alabama’s offense into one of the best in the nation.

The Crimson Tide dropped 27 against Georgia. The 27 points were mainly because of Milroe’s decision-making. He didn’t throw a pick, tossed a couple of TD passes, and made the key plays that ended Georgia’s championship reign.

Milroe can rush the ball as well as throw it, which should give the Crimson Tide an edge over Michigan’s defense.

Why Bet on the Michigan Wolverines?

Michigan, at least statistically, boasts the nation’s top defense. The Wolverines held rival Ohio State to 24 points in a 30-24 victory to end the regular season undefeated.

Then in the Big Ten Championship, Michigan thwarted everything and anything the Iowa Hawkeyes wanted to do on offense. Michigan beat Iowa 26-0 in an incredible show of defensive strength.

Jim Harbaugh’s team runs a pro style offense that relies on running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards to get tough yards. QB J.J. McCarthy likes to throw to tight end Colston Loveland who had 40 catches this season.

McCarthy’s top wide receiver target is Cornelius Johnson. The Michigan signal-caller doesn’t force the issue, but can make the spectacular throw if required. If Michigan can get their rushing attack going, the Wolverines will begin to wear down Bama’s defense.

Alabama vs. Michigan Betting Trends

Alabama is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 games.
Crimson Tide are 10-0 SU in its last 10 games.
The total went over in 5 of Alabama’s last 6 games.
Michigan is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 games.
Wolverines are 10-0 SU in its last 10 games.
The total went over in 7 of Michigan’s last 9 games.

Alabama vs. Michigan 2024 Rose Bowl Expert Betting Predictions

Michigan is the chalk to win the National Championship. Alabama is second choice, which means most college football handicappers believe this season’s title winner is playing in this game.

Based on overall record, the Wolverines are the better team. But Michigan didn’t come close to facing as many quality opponents as Alabama faced. The Crimson Tide boasted the fifth most difficult schedule in college football.

Michigan’s defense will struggle against Milroe’s mobility. When Michigan has the ball, the Alabama defense is going to be aggressive, which could cause McCarthy to make mistakes.

The spread line is out of whack. Bama should be a -2 to -3 favorite. So backing Alabama at +106 on the money line is the best bet.

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