The College Football Playoff’s stage is set. On Jan. 1, No. 1 overall seed <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/michigan-wolverines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan</a> will square off against No. 4 seed <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alabama</a> in the Rose Bowl. <a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/football/ncaa-football-games" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to FanDuel</a>, Michigan is a 2.5-point favorite in the outing. The over/under for the matchup is set at 45.5 points. Here’s what you need to know.



<h2 id="h-how-to-watch-michigan-vs-alabama">How to watch Michigan vs. Alabama</h2>



Time: 5 p.m. ET Channel: ESPN, <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191261?irad=399332&sharedid=On3_National" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FuboTV</a> (streaming) Location: Rose Bowl — Pasadena, Calif.



Michigan is one of only three Power Five teams to finish the season 13-0. Further, the Wolverines looked the most dominant doing it. Michigan only had two opponents finish a game within one score of them this season. No team finished within five or less points of the Wolverines.



Despite the team’s setbacks from head coach <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/coach/jim-harbaugh-132176/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jim Harbaugh</a>’s suspensions, they were dominant on both sides of the ball. However, they specifically shined on defense. Michigan only allowed opponents to average 239.2 yards per game, the second-least in the nation. The Wolverines’ tenacious defense will be a headache for foes in the postseason.



Despite the massive matchup ahead, JJ McCarthy claims the Wolverines won’t overthink it.



“In my eyes, I look at it as act like you’ve been there before,” McCarthy said after Michigan’s win over Iowa. “Coach Harbaugh always hits on that, just like scoring your first touchdown like you’ve scored your hundredth.”



<h2 id="h-the-crimson-tide-rolls-into-the-college-football-playoff">The Crimson Tide rolls into the College Football Playoff</h2>



Alabama squeaked into the College Football Playoff, but it did it with style. On Saturday, Alabama ended <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia’s</a> historic winning streak in a 27-24 victory. After falling to <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-longhorns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas</a> in Week 2, Alabama flipped a switch, marching over whoever stood in its way.



<a href="https://www.on3.com/db/jalen-milroe-54407/">Jalen Milroe’s</a> development has been one of the greatest stories for Alabama this year, turning his benching against <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/usf-bulls/">USF</a> into an incredible season as a firm dual-threat. Milroe threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia while also picking up 29 rushing yards.



Nick Saban couldn’t be prouder of his team.



“This is a great example for a lot of people who want to be successful in terms of the perseverance that these guys showed, the character they had to overcome adversity, the resiliency that they played with,” Saban said after Alabama’s win over Georgia.



“They’re truly a team. Everybody’s together. Everybody trusts and respects the principles and values of the organization and program and buy into them. They’re all responsible for their own self-determination, which means they can go do their job.”



<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191261?irad=399332&sharedid=On3_National" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live stream on Fubo! Limited time offer: $40 off Fubo’s Pro, Elite and Premier plans</a>



Alabama and Michigan have only met five times before. Alabama is 3-2 in those matchups. The last meeting between the two program was in 2020 when the Crimson Tide defeated Michigan 35-16. The Wolverines will look to exact revenge on Jan. 1.

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