Rose Bowl: #4 Alabama vs #1 Michigan Odds, and Picks (Jan 1)

• Alabama took down Georgia in the SEC title game, winning it 27-24.
• Michigan dominated Iowa, winning 26-0 in the Big-10 championship.
• These two teams last met on January 1, 2020, in a game Alabama won 35-16.

The college football season has reached the bowl games! Let’s preview the 2023 Rose Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines. The winner will claim a spot in the national title game.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

Alabama got revenge against Georgia this season, toppling them in the SEC title game, and returning to the CFP after a 1-year hiatus. The Crimson Tide got much better as the season went on, with QB Jalen Milroe improving by leaps and bounds. Their stellar play as of late is part of why the committee decided to include them over 13-0 Florida State. Alabama has much to prove in this game against the #1 overall team.

Michigan had no trouble in the Big-10 title game, completely shutting out Iowa. Their true test came the week before against Ohio State, which they also cleared with ease. The outdated divisional format ends next season, which should make for much more interesting future conference championship games. The Wolverines get head coach Jim Harbuagh back for this game, looking to make their first-ever CFP final.

Prediction

This should be one of the best bowl games of the season, featuring two premier programs. Michigan is still aiming for their first CFP win and title appearance, while Alabama is looking to return to the title game after missing the CFP entirely last season. These teams should match up tremendously well. The Wolverines will provide a solid test on defense for QB Jalen Milroe, but I still see the Crimson Tide getting the victory here.

NCAAF Picks:

• Alabama 27, Michigan 24 ()