Michigan vs Alabama – Looking Back – 2024

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The fifth installment of the series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Alabama takes us to the Rose Bowl. Michigan won the first Rose Bowl handily, beating Stanford 49-0 to claim the 1901 National Championship. The Wolverines repeated that feat on Jan. 1, 1998, beating Washington State, 21-16, to capture the 1997 Associated Press National Championship. The Wolverines have also suffered many frustrating outcomes at the Rose Bowl.

On Jan. 1, 2024, the Rose Bowl served as the site for one of the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Michigan had a loaded roster, but pundits predicted that Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe would give the Wolverines fits. It was only natural that Michigan fans approached this game with some concern.

There was a depressing sense of deja vu when J.J. McCarthy appeared to throw an interception to Caleb Downs on the first play from scrimmage. Then, suddenly, Downs was ruled out of bounds when he seized possession of the ball. Everyone wearing maize and blue breathed a collective sigh of relief. When Alabama got the ball, Michigan’s defense put the heat on Milroe, sacking him twice in the first series. The Tide then got a second chance when Semaj Morgan fumbled the ensuing punt. Four plays later, Jase Mclellan ran 34 yards for an Alabama touchdown, and the Crimson Tide drew first blood.

But Alabama’s touchdown did not dampen Michigan’s resolve. The Wolverines mounted a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in an 8-yard scoring pass from McCarthy to Blake Corum. If Michigan had any jitters, they were gone by this point.

Trailing late in the fourth quarter, Michigan still had time for heroics. McCarthy connected with Corum on fourth down to keep the drive going. Then Wilson caught a tipped pass from McCarthy and ran to the Alabama 6-yard line. On second down from the 4-yard line, McCarthy played pitch-and-catch with Wilson, who trotted in untouched for the tying score.

Jake Thaw then earned recognition as one of Michigan’s unsung heroes when he calmly recovered his own fumble on a late Alabama punt, narrowly averting disaster. In overtime, Michigan asserted its dominance in convincing fashion. The Wolverines scored on a pair of runs by Corum, the second one a 17-yard run involving three broken tackles. Michigan now held a 27-20 lead, but Alabama would get the football.

Alabama threatened, but the Wolverines were up to the task. Mason Graham had a tackle for loss and Josh Wallace had a huge tackle two yards short of the goal line, setting up a do-or-die fourth down. One missed assignment or missed tackle could be disastrous, but one excellent team effort could keep the dream season rolling one more week.

Michigan got that tremendous effort, most notably from 6-foot-1, 245-pound defensive end Josaiah Stewart, who knocked 6-foot-5, 350-pound Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor off his feet and into Milroe, allowing the Michigan defense to swarm around Milroe and tackle him well short of the goal line. Michigan completed a goal line stand to beat Alabama, 27-20, and advance in the College Football Playoff.

A week later, the Michigan was firing on all cylinders like a vintage Detroit engine. The Wolverines routed Washington, 34-13, to win the National Championship and complete a perfect 15-0 season, claiming their place among the greatest teams in college football history!

Thanks to YouTube for the ESPN broadcast of this game. As always, we own nothing and do not profit from this blog post, which is provided strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Jim Harbaugh has left the building

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Sadness (that it’s over), Anger (Warde!), and Gratitude (that it happened)
Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Jim Harbaugh’s departure – don’t miss the audio stinger (it’s a keeper) . With Jim Harbaugh, Warde Manuel (BOO!), Sherrone Moore, Mike Hart, Blake Corum, and JJ McCarthy.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan to NFL.0:00
    • Jim Harbaugh returns to NFL as Chargers head coach after leading Michigan to football success.
    • Clint Derringer believes Jim Harbaugh’s NFL return was inevitable, despite Michigan’s efforts.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s decision to leave Michigan for the Chargers.4:00
    • Phil Callihan thinks Jim Harbaugh’s competitive nature and desire to surpass his father and brother’s achievements may have influenced his decision to leave the San Diego Chargers.
    • Callihan believes Harbaugh’s family dynamics and the opportunity to win another national championship may have played a role in his decision to return to Michigan.
    • Phil Callihan expresses mixed emotions about Jim Harbaugh’s departure, citing his happiness for Jim’s success and sadness at the end of an era.
    • Jim Harbaugh’s love for Michigan and its fans is evident in his actions, including a spontaneous gathering at Schembechler Hall after the team’s return from Houston.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan football.10:03
    • Clint Derringer believes Michigan’s lack of effort to retain Jim Harbaugh was a critical mistake.
    • Clint Derringer believes Harbaugh’s NFL dream could have been handled better, leading to current leverage issues.
    • Jim Harbaugh reflects on past seasons, including a time when he thought he might get fired.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s contract negotiations and potential move to Ohio State.16:11
    • Phil Callihan believes Jim Harbaugh’s mind was set to look elsewhere after the 2020 season due to a perceived lack of support from Michigan fans and administration.
    • Callihan thinks Harbaugh should have been locked up by Michigan after his impressive performance against Ohio State in 2020.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on the Jim Harbaugh era at Michigan, including the TCU loss and NCAA allegations.
    • Phil Callihan suggests Michigan Football could have been distracted by off-field issues, leading to a lack of focus on the field.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan Football.23:30
    • Clint Derringer suggests that Jim Harbaugh was considering leaving Michigan due to a lack of competitive challenge and potential for dominance in the sport.
    • Clint Derringer believes that Harbaugh was also aware of the eventual transition at Michigan and wanted to leave on his own terms, rather than being forced out.
    • Clint Derringer believes Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan Football was intentional and part of a larger plan, with the program primed for a smooth transition.
    • Derringer suggests that Harbaugh’s own more, Sherrone Moore, should be the next head coach, given his input and involvement in the program’s development.
  • Michigan football culture and leadership succession.29:27
    • Jim Harbaugh’s unique approach created a resilient, competitive culture at Michigan.
    • Phil Callihan questions whether Jim Harbaugh’s culture at Michigan Football will endure after his departure, citing the program’s history of perpetuating a strong culture even after coaches leave.
    • Clint Derringer argues that Sherrone Moore is the best choice to maintain the program’s culture and vibes, citing his role in the team’s turnaround from 2020 to 2021.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan Football.35:25
    • Sharon Moore’s success as interim coach is attributed to his ability to maintain a positive team culture, with questions remaining about staffing decisions and potential promotions within the coaching staff.
    • Clint Derringer prioritizes finding a defensive coordinator who can continue the successful Ravens-style defense, with stability being key to success in 2024.
    • Jim Harbaugh’s decision to leave Michigan for NFL was disappointing but understandable, with a focus on his best destiny and impact on college football.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s impact on Michigan football.42:02
    • Callihan appreciates Harbaugh’s authenticity and willingness to speak his mind, despite NFL teams’ reservations.
    • Clint Derringer reflects on Michigan football’s recent success and the importance of basking in the program’s historical context.
    • Clint Derringer: Harbaugh’s mentality and approach to football led to a significant turnaround, comparing him to Bo Schembechler and Lloyd Carr.
    • Derringer: Harbaugh’s success includes taking the program to the national level and winning a title, combining the best of past eras.
  • The meaning of being a Michigan man.50:05
    • Jim Harbaugh emphasizes teamwork and doing one’s best.
    • Jim Harbaugh: Being a Michigan man means unanimous support, making it right.
  • Teamwork and camaraderie in Michigan Wolverines football.54:46
    • Jim Harbaugh praises Team 144 players, coaches, and staff for their dedication and teamwork.
    • Michigan Wolverines’ love for the game is genuine, evident in their perseverance, accountability, and teamwork.
    • “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers”

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Perfect – Michigan 34 Washington 13

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 34-13 victory over Washington to capture the National Championship. With QB JJ McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan’s National Championship Game.0:00
    • Michigan Wolverines win National Championship, players reflect on teamwork and brotherhood.
    • Harbaugh’s motto “nobody has it better than us” reflects gratitude and attitude of gratitude.
    • Michigan dominates Alabama with depth and resilience.
    • Phil Callihan highlights Donovan Edwards’ dominant performance, including two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, as Michigan defeats Washington 34-13.
    • Michigan’s defense consistently shuts down Washington’s offense, while the Wolverines’ offense wears down their defense for a convincing victory.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant performance in the first quarter and their defense’s success in containing Washington’s offense.9:36
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s explosive offense in the first quarter, with 443 total yards and a 17.6 yards per play average, leading to a 69% success rate.
    • Michigan’s defense held Washington to 4.6 yards per play in the first quarter, with a 9% success rate, and continued to perform well throughout the game.
    • Clint Derringer and Jim Harbaugh highlight the resilience of the Michigan defense, who overcame challenges and adversity to secure a victory.
    • The defense’s performance was capped off by Mikey Sr.’s interception and Blake Corum’s touchdown, marking a perfect ending to the season.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s success and defense.15:20
    • Michigan’s defense led the team to a championship this season, with the offense providing just enough support.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan’s recent games, including the Penn State and Washington contests, and how the team’s defense has consistently performed well despite facing strong offenses.
    • Callihan highlights the team’s resilience and ability to come back from setbacks, such as the TCU game, and how they’ve shown growth and improvement throughout the season.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on the inconsistency of Michigan Football during the Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke eras, wondering if the team will ever return to its former glory.
    • Callihan expresses excitement for Jim Harbaugh’s return to the team and their potential for success, but acknowledges a rocky start to his tenure.
  • Michigan football’s turnaround under Jim Harbaugh.23:47
    • Clint Derringer reflects on 2020 season, argues program needed paradigm shift with Harbaugh at helm.
    • Harbaugh’s leadership and coaching transformed Michigan football, leading to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021.
  • Michigan Football’s leadership and culture under Jim Harbaugh.27:56
    • Jim Harbaugh highlights the team’s resilience and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
    • The team’s culture and leadership have been key to their success, with players and coaches working together to overcome challenges.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Jim Harbaugh’s return to Michigan Football, noting that he was initially hesitant due to the administration at the time.
    • Callihan recalls the environment surrounding Harbaugh’s hiring, including the need for someone with the “flexibility and cachet” to keep improving the program.
  • Michigan Wolverines football culture and leadership.34:07
    • Phil Callihan reflects on his frustration with Michigan football under Rich Rodriguez, Brady Hoke, and Jim Harbaugh, particularly the 2015 Appalachian State game and the 2016 Penn State loss.
    • Callihan praises Harbaugh for his ability to ignore the noise and improve the team despite the challenging environment, but notes that progress has been slow.
    • Michigan football players set a culture of excellence after Aidan Hutchinson’s departure, with a focus on continuous improvement and upholding the program’s high standards.
  • Michigan Wolverines football culture and player insights.39:38
    • Michigan Football coach Phil Callihan highlights the team’s culture and player dedication, with no off-field distractions.
    • Phil Callihan discusses the constant speculation surrounding Jim Harbaugh’s future at Michigan, including NFL rumors and coaching changes.
    • Callihan shares his frustration with the lack of knowledgeable reporting on the topic, particularly from ESPN Talking Heads.
    • Phil Callihan highlights the culture of fun and enjoyment among Michigan football players, who support and encourage each other both on and off the field.
    • Roman Wilson shares his desire to be a leader and step out of his comfort zone, even if it means being more vocal and taking risks.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s past and present, including coaching changes and player development.46:20
    • Clint Derringer highlights AJ Barner, Darius Henderson, and Josh Wallace as examples of leaders who transferred to Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, citing their selflessness and fit for the program’s culture.
    • Derringer praises Jay Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh’s son and special teams coordinator, for his ability to coach multiple position groups and recruit well, demonstrating the staff’s strength in self-evaluation and self-awareness.
    • Clint Derringer reflects on JJ McCarthy’s tweet from 2020, where he encourages Michigan fans to take deep breaths and understand that the program is doing everything it can to be great.
    • JJ McCarthy shares his insight on the situation in 2023, saying that he knew the program was not in a good place and that he had a gut feeling that something would happen to turn it around.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s leadership and coaching abilities at Michigan Football.52:54
    • Michigan Football team’s resilience and adaptability under Jim Harbaugh’s leadership.
    • Jim Harbaugh has had a successful coaching career, including nearly winning a Super Bowl and rebuilding the Michigan Football program.
    • Harbaugh’s return to Michigan was facilitated by David Brandon’s departure and the program’s desire to give him everything he needed to be successful, including new facilities and a rebuilt Football program.
    • Phil Callihan praises Jim Harbaugh for his ability to adapt and improve the Michigan football team, citing his willingness to bring in new coaches and players to elevate the program.
    • Callihan highlights Harbaugh’s success in beating Ohio State, despite initial doubts from ESPN and talk radio hosts, and notes that the team’s improvements were evident in their ability to bounce back from losses and continue to get better.
  • Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and its impact on coach Ryan Day.1:01:21
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s physical domination of Ohio State and their mental toughness in bouncing back from losses.
    • Derringer believes Jim Harbaugh is living rent-free in Ryan Day’s head after Michigan’s recent success against Ohio State.
    • Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s focus on beating Michigan is evident in his team’s performance.
    • Phil Callihan believes Michigan’s culture is better than Ohio State’s, leading to the Wolverines’ success on the field.
    • Callihan attributes Michigan’s success to its strong culture, which attracts and develops great players.
  • Michigan Wolverines football culture and coaching.1:09:00
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan’s culture of loyalty and resilience.
    • Callihan believes Harbaugh’s love for Michigan is his best coaching destiny.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan’s 1000th win and the emotions it evoked, sharing personal experiences and the significance of the moment.
    • Callihan expresses happiness for the players, acknowledging their hard work and the unique nature of their achievement.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s coaching future at Michigan.1:16:30
    • Fans and former players shower Jim Harbaugh with love and appreciation.
    • Clint and Phil discuss Jim Harbaugh’s potential decision to leave Michigan for the NFL, with Clint arguing that Harbaugh’s love for Michigan and his family ties make it the best place for him, while Phil suggests that Harbaugh may want to pursue a rivalry with Pete Carroll in the NFL.
    • Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh’s leadership and player motivation led to a “magical” season despite off-field drama.
  • Michigan Football and its impact on families.1:23:42
    • Clint Derringer shares fond memories of watching Michigan football games with his family, including his first memory of being a fan.
    • Clint Derringer reflects on the joy of watching his children experience Michigan football games, and how he looks forward to sharing those memories with them in the future.
    • Phil Callihan shares a personal memory of meeting Desmond Howard at Michigan and how it influenced his brother’s fandom for life.
    • Phil Callihan appreciates the opportunity to share experiences with his family and friends through Michigan Football, including reading stories to his daughter in the womb and now attending games together.
    • Clint Derringer values the chance to contribute to the press box experience and reconnect with his fandom through spending time with Phil and his brothers, joking that he considers himself an honorary Callaghan.
  • Michigan Football culture and gratitude.1:30:30
    • Clint Derringer expresses gratitude for Michigan football fandom and the positive vibes surrounding the team.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan express gratitude to Michigan Football teams and coaches for bringing pride and positive memories.
    • Coaches and players emphasize teamwork and culture at Michigan football program.