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The College Football Playoff is only five days away. Michigan and Alabama will face off in the first semifinal in the Rose Bowl.
There are plenty of people who think the fourth-seeded Crimson Tide have what it takes to beat the undefeated, top-ranked Wolverines, but Bruce Feldman of The Athletic is zigging while they zag.
Feldman released his New Year’s Six score predictions on Wednesday, and he’s picking Michigan in a nailbiter, 24-20.
“This is a seasoned, resilient and talented group. These players have been through a lot this season, and I wouldn’t bet against them in a close, physical game. They are built for this,” Feldman said. “They don’t get enough credit for how deep and talented they are on the defensive line. Those guys are good enough to hold up against a Bama attack that doesn’t have the kind of backs and receivers of previous Tide teams.”
It’s @UMichFootball . It’s @AlabamaFTBL . It’s the #RoseBowl . AND THEY’RE HERE 🌹#GoBlue | #RollTide pic.twitter.com/B4O4evhxCX
— Rose Bowl Game (@rosebowlgame) December 27, 2023
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Michigan has been to the last two College Football Playoffs but has lost in the semifinals both times, to Georgia two years ago and TCU last year.
The Wolverines have lost their last four bowl games against SEC competition, with their last postseason win over the league coming in January 2016 after Jim Harbaugh’s first season in Ann Arbor.
Michigan-Alabama will kick off at 5 p.m. ET Monday on ESPN.