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Alabama vs Michigan: CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game
The Alabama Crimson Tide will take on the Michigan Wolverines in the CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California, on Monday. The Wolverines are the number one ranked team in the league, finishing with a perfect record, and they are a three-point favorite going into this one.
Alabama regular season breakdown
The Alabama Crimson Tide finished at the top of the SEC with 12 wins and only one loss in the season. The single loss came in the second game of the season against the Texas Longhorns, who won 34-24 at home. Since then, Alabama has won 11 straight games and is coming off a 27-24 win over Georgia in the SEC championship game. Alabama’s offense is ranked 54th in the country with 401.2 yards per game, and they are 25th in rushing attempts with 39.8. Alabama is ranked 4th in both yards per completion and yards per attempt. Their QB rating is sixth in the country with 167.3.
Michigan regular season breakdown
The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a perfect season, winning the Big 10 conference with a 13-0 record. They did not allow double-digit points in the first five games of the season and eight in total. The Wolverines are coming off a 26-0 win over Iowa in the Big 10 championship game. Michigan is ranked 68th in the country with 380.5 yards per game. They were second in pass completion with 74%. Michigan’s real strength is on the defensive end, as the Wolverines are ranked second, allowing 239.7 yards.
Betting Trends
Alabama is 9-4-0 ATS this season and is 4-1-0 ATS in the last five games. Alabama is 11-3 straight up in the last 14 postseason games and has won six straight semifinal games. Michigan is 0-6 at the spread in the last six playoff games and has lost the last two semifinal games.
Player to watch
Jalen Milroe has been the starting quarterback for Alabama all season, finishing with 2,718 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. The sophomore made 65.5% of his passing attempts this season and took his team over Georgia even though he threw only 56.5%.
Injury Report
Zak Zinter is out for Michigan.
Prediction and Conclusion
College football fans could not ask for a more exciting game in the semifinals. Michigan is the number one team in the country, and Alabama is the underdog only for the second time this season. What makes the Wolverines favorite in this game is their defensive play, but on the other hand, they have not faced an offense like Alabama all year long. Zach Zinter will miss this one for the Wolverines, and his absence may hit the Wolverines. Michigan has not played against a good rushing QB like Milroe, and that can make a difference in this game. Both teams have their advantages, and going for Alabama to cover the 3-point spread is the best choice.
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