The University of Michigan began and ended the regular season without the services of a head coach.
On Monday, Jim Harbaugh was on the sideline as the Wolverines beat Alabama for the right to play for the national title on Jan. 8.
The Michigan Wolverines after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime to win the CFP semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2024. 's head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with the Leishman Trophy. (Harry Howe/Getty Images)
In a thrilling overtime game, Michigan quickly scored on senior Blake Columm's 17-yard run on the opening possession of OT. After the game was on the line, the Wolverines' defense took care of the rest.
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Michigan's opening minutes brought back memories of last year's turnover-filled loss to TCU in the CFP.
A near interception by Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs and a muffled punt return recovered by the Crimson Tide that ultimately led to a 34-yard scoring run by running back Jace McClellan — Michigan It looked like I was reliving last year's nightmare.
However, it was Harbaugh's defense, which allowed minimal points per game, that turned the tide in Michigan's favor.
Michigan Wolverines #0 Mike Sainristil celebrates during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2024. #8 Derrick Moore. (Keboke Jansezian/Getty Images)
Colm tied the game with a 75-yard drive, while the defense took care of quarterback Jalen Milroe, sacking him five times in the first half and allowing Tyler Morris to dance along the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown catch. They took the lead over the University of Michigan.
But Alabama regained control in the second half and tightened up against Michigan's frustrating pass rush. McClellan scored his second touchdown of the night on a 3-yard run, giving the Crimson Tide their second lead of the night.
Michigan's JJ McCarthy responded, leading an eight-play, 77-yard drive with a 4-yard pass to Roman Wilson with just under two minutes left to tie the score and force overtime.
Colm made Michigan history with his 56th career touchdown, but Alabama was unable to respond. At the Michigan 3, Milroe rushed up the middle on fourth down and was stopped with no gain.
Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Collum (2) runs for 17 yards during overtime of the College Football Playoff semifinal game between the Rose Bowl and the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday, Jan. 1, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. He scored and took the lead. 2024. (Gina Ferrazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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The Wolverines have extended their winning streak to 13 this season, and while Michigan has had a perfect record on the field, it has caused its fair share of controversy off the field.
The Wolverines started the season undefeated without head coach Jim Harbaugh following a three-game suspension imposed by the school. NCAA recruiting violations. Then, during Michigan's most difficult stretch of the season, Harbaugh again missed three more games amid an investigation into a sign-stealing operation involving former junior staffer Connor Stallions.
Despite the media frenzy surrounding the program, Michigan State never missed a beat.
The Michigan Wolverines take the field before the CFP semifinal game against the Rose Bowl and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
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The University of Michigan went on to finish 11-0, defeating the University of Iowa 26-0 and winning its third consecutive conference title. The Wolverines will now be aiming for the school's first national title since 1997.
The University of Michigan will next face the winner of Texas vs. Washington in the CFP National Championship on Jan. 8.
FOX News' Joe Morgan contributed to this report.
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