Ohio State fans sport anti-Michigan, pro-Alabama shirts at Rose Bowl

The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the biggest in college football, and that was on display at the Rose Bowl. With the Wolverines set to face Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup Monday, a few Buckeyes fans were in attendance to cheer against their bitter rival.

They were pictured wearing shirts that read “Ohio State fan supporting (Alabama).” It’s a perfect example of how deep the hatred between these two schools runs. You can view the shirts below.

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— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) January 1, 2024

Ohio State fans are likely still feeling the sting from a loss to Michigan this season, which marked the Buckeyes’ third straight loss in “The Game.” That cost OSU a chance to make the CFP, as the Wolverines went on to win the Big Ten Championship to earn the No. 1 seed.

This marks the third straight season Michigan has made the College Football Playoff, though it lost in the semifinals each of the past two years. The Wolverines will hope this year can be different thanks to a defense that ranks as the best in the country and a vaunted rushing attack featuring Blake Corum. Of course, the Buckeyes fans in attendance would like to see the opposite take place.

Things have got off to a rocky start for the Wolverines thus far as they muffed a punt to give Alabama the ball after a defensive stop. That allowed the Crimson Tide to go on to score the first touchdown of the game, taking an early lead. We’ll see whether Michigan has an answer as it gets the ball back.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh expects Rose Bowl to be won in the trenches

The Rose Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal is underway and just before the game began, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh caught up with ESPN’s Holly Rowe.

He provided some keys to the game, which saw Michigan get the ball first.

“Well first of all Happy New Year to everybody, and we’re just ready to play,” Harbaugh said. “Can’t wait to watch our guys compete. We’ve got the ball first, see if we can’t get in rhythm here.”

Michigan very nearly ran into disaster early on against Alabama, as quarterback JJ McCarthy caught a massive break on the first play of the game.

McCarthy threw a pass toward the right sideline and was picked off by Alabama star defensive back Caleb Downs. But Downs’ foot was out of bounds when he jumped up to make the interception, nullifying the catch and keeping possession with the Wolverines.