The two programs with the most victories in college football history face off in the 2024 Rose Bowl on Monday, with the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide taking on the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines. The College Football Playoff semifinal winner will face Washington or Texas in the Jan. 8 national-title game. Michigan has the most victories in college football history with 1,002, but its last national championship came in 1997. Alabama (12-1) is second all-time with 965 victories but has won six championships since 2009. Nick Saban is looking to become the first coach to win seven at one school. The teams last met in the 2019 Citrus Bowl, a 35-16 Tide victory.
Kickoff for the College Football Playoff semifinal is set for 5 p.m. ET in Pasadena, Calif. The latest Alabama vs. Michigan odds list the Wolverines as 2-point favorites for the Rose Bowl 2024, according to the SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points scored is 46. Before making any Michigan vs. Alabama picks, be sure to see the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, it has generated a strong profit of well over $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. The model entered bowl season a profitable 13-9 on top-rated spread picks. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Alabama vs. Michigan and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several college football odds and betting lines for Michigan vs. Alabama:
- Alabama vs. Michigan spread: Wolverines -2
- Alabama vs. Michigan over/under: 46 points
- Alabama vs. Michigan money line: Wolverines -130, Crimson Tide +110
- ALA: The Crimson Tide are 14-8 ATS in their last 22 games at neutral sites
- MICH: The Wolverines are 12-8 ATS in their last 20 games against ranked teams
- Alabama vs. Michigan picks: See picks at SportsLine
- Alabama vs. Michigan live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why Michigan can cover
The Wolverines have arguably the best defense in the nation, and the offense is explosive. Michigan allows 9.5 points per game, fewest in FBS since 2011, 4.3 yards per play (fourth in FBS) and 2.9 per rush (sixth). The offense has scored at least 30 points in 11 of 13 games, with UM outscoring opponents by more than 27 per game. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy protects the ball (four interceptions) and ranks second in the nation in completion percentage (74.2).
After falling short the past two seasons, the Wolverines have to believe this is their year. The sign-stealing controversy and suspension of coach Jim Harbaugh also has galvanized the team. UM has lost three games over the past three seasons, fewer than any team aside from two-time defending champion Georgia. The Wolverines have turned the ball over just twice over the past 10 games, and running back Blake Corum (FBS-high 24 rushing TDs) is a game-changer. See which team to pick here.
Why Alabama can cover
The Tide have won 11 straight games since a loss to fellow semifinalist Texas and have built momentum behind quarterback Jalen Milroe. After a rocky start to the season, the sophomore has accounted for 35 touchdowns. Alabama has won all 10 games he has started, going 8-2 against the spread. He has 2,718 passing yards and 468 rushing yards. Running backs Jase McClellan (803 rushing yards) and Roydell Williams (561) also can do damage on the ground.
The Alabama offense averages 35.1 points per game (17th in FBS), and receiver Jermaine Burton is an explosive player. The senior is second in the nation with a 22.2-yard average per catch and has scored eight times. Alabama has won six straight CFP semifinals and has won six of its past eight games as an underdog. A defense led by Chris Braswell (eight sacks) and Justin Eboigbe (seven) will pressure McCarthy, and the unit allows 18.4 points per game (17th in FBS). See which team to pick here.
How to make Alabama vs. Michigan picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 53 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Michigan vs. Alabama, and which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that's up over $2,000 on its top-rated college football picks, and find out.
