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Ohio State fans sport anti-Michigan, pro-Alabama on Ohio State Fan Supporting Alabama Shirts at Rose Bowl
02
Jan
Jan
Buckeyes Invade Rose Bowl, Rooting for Crimson Tide Against Hated Wolverines
The Rose Bowl wasn’t just about Michigan facing Alabama for a College Football Playoff spot. It was also a battlefield for the fierce rivalry between the Wolverines and Ohio State, with a few daring Buckeye fans in attendance, proudly wearing shirts that declared, “Ohio State Fan Supporting AlabamaShirt.”
This audacious display perfectly captures the depth of animosity between these two schools. Still stinging from their third straight loss to Michigan, including this season’s defeat that cost them a CFP bid, these Buckeyes found joy in the prospect of their rivals’ downfall.
For Michigan, however, this Rose Bowl marked their third consecutive CFP appearance, despite falling short in the semifinals the past two years. Led by the nation’s best defense and a dominant rushing attack fueled by Blake Corum, the Wolverines hoped to break their semifinal curse. Meanwhile, the Buckeye infiltrators undoubtedly wished for the opposite.
Early on, things weren’t looking rosy for Michigan. A muffed punt handed Alabama the ball after a defensive stop, leading to the Crimson Tide‘s first touchdown. The pressure was on for the Wolverines to respond.
Before the clash, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh shared his thoughts on the game’s key, emphasizing the importance of starting strong: “Happy New Year everyone! We’re just ready to play. Can’t wait to watch our guys compete. We’ve got the ball first, see if we can’t get in rhythm here.”
But that rhythm almost came crashing down on the first play. Quarterback JJ McCarthy‘s pass intended for the right sideline was intercepted by Alabama’s star defensive back Caleb Downs. Thankfully for Michigan, Downs’ foot was out of bounds, giving them a reprieve and keeping the ball in their hands.
The Rose Bowl stage was set for a thrilling battle, fueled not only by national championship aspirations but also by the unwavering rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) January 1, 2024
