In Michigan’s thrilling victory over Alabama in the 2024 College Football Playoff, several key players stepped up to the occasion and delivered standout performances. While the team’s overall effort was a complete, cohesive performance, three individuals, in particular, distinguished themselves through their impactful plays and leadership. These returnees, having already made their mark on the program in previous seasons, showed why they were vital to Michigan’s success in this monumental game.
1. J.J. McCarthy – Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy’s performance against Alabama in the 2024 Playoff was a defining moment in his career and solidified his place as one of the elite quarterbacks in college football. The junior quarterback showed poise, accuracy, and athleticism in the biggest game of the season. McCarthy, who had already led Michigan to multiple Big Ten titles and a berth in the playoff, was poised to take the next step in his development: leading the Wolverines to the national title game.
Against Alabama’s formidable defense, McCarthy’s ability to make both big plays and critical decisions was on full display. The quarterback’s mobility was crucial in this matchup, particularly in avoiding Alabama’s pass rush, which is known for its ferocity. McCarthy didn’t just rely on his legs to escape pressure, though—he showed impressive field awareness and consistently kept his eyes downfield to make accurate throws.
In the first half, McCarthy threw a key 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roman Wilson, threading the needle through tight coverage. That play gave Michigan a commanding 14-point lead and was a testament to McCarthy’s arm strength and accuracy. But perhaps his most impressive moment came in the fourth quarter when Michigan was up by a slim margin. With Alabama mounting a late-game rally, McCarthy orchestrated a brilliant 10-play, 80-yard drive that consumed over 5 minutes of clock and culminated in a game-sealing touchdown pass. His ability to remain calm under pressure, coupled with his decision-making and arm talent, played a pivotal role in Michigan’s 31-24 win over the Crimson Tide.
With his dual-threat capability, McCarthy proved that he is more than just a pocket passer. He showed his ability to keep plays alive with his legs, extending drives and frustrating Alabama’s defense. As a returnee with significant playoff experience, McCarthy’s maturity and leadership were integral in handling the high-stakes nature of this matchup.
2. Blake Corum – Running Back
Blake Corum’s performance in the game against Alabama was nothing short of heroic. The senior running back, who had already established himself as one of the premier backs in college football, demonstrated once again why he is considered one of the most dynamic players in the nation. Corum’s ability to pick up tough yards and fight for every inch was crucial in Michigan’s ability to control the tempo of the game.
Against Alabama, Corum ran for 126 yards on 22 carries, including two touchdowns. His power running style was complemented by a remarkable ability to break tackles and churn out extra yards after contact. His first touchdown came in the second quarter, a 9-yard scamper through the heart of Alabama’s defense, which tied the game and shifted the momentum back in Michigan’s favor after Alabama had briefly pulled ahead.
In the second half, Corum’s ability to maintain balance and keep his legs moving helped Michigan dominate the time of possession. With the game on the line in the final minutes, Corum iced the game with a 15-yard touchdown run, putting Michigan up by two scores. His vision, combined with his ability to find holes and burst through them, showcased why he was considered one of the top running backs in the country heading into the game.
The senior running back’s performance against Alabama also highlighted his leadership and toughness. He had missed a portion of the previous season due to injury, but his return to form was a massive boost for Michigan’s offense, especially in such a critical game. Corum’s ability to perform under pressure was key in Michigan’s victory, and his leadership helped carry the Wolverines to victory in a hard-fought, physical contest.
3. Mason Graham – Defensive Tackle
While Michigan’s offense certainly stole the headlines in their win over Alabama, the Wolverines’ defense played a crucial role in stymying Alabama’s explosive attack. One of the standout performers on the defensive side of the ball was sophomore defensive tackle Mason Graham, who had an exceptional game in both disrupting the pocket and clogging up running lanes. Graham’s performance against Alabama was a testament to his relentless motor, physicality, and growing maturity as a defensive force.
Alabama’s offense, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, is known for its explosive big-play potential, especially in the passing game. However, Graham’s ability to apply pressure from the interior of Michigan’s defensive line was a constant headache for Milroe. Graham registered 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss, constantly collapsing the pocket and forcing Milroe into uncomfortable throws. His presence on the defensive line allowed Michigan’s linebackers and secondary to stay in coverage longer, limiting Alabama’s opportunities to generate big plays.
In addition to his pass-rushing exploits, Graham was a disruptive force in the run game, where Alabama has traditionally excelled. The Tide’s rushing attack, which had been dominant throughout the season, was held to under 100 yards, with Graham contributing significantly to plugging gaps and preventing Alabama from establishing a consistent ground game. His ability to anchor the interior of Michigan’s defense and force Alabama into third-and-long situations helped Michigan maintain control throughout the game.
Graham’s performance in this high-profile matchup was indicative of his rising stardom in the college football landscape. The defensive tackle was a key reason why Michigan’s defense was able to contain Alabama’s offense, making him one of the unsung heroes of the game.
Conclusion
The Michigan Wolverines’ victory over Alabama in the 2024 College Football Playoff was a statement win, and the performances of returnees J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, and Mason Graham were central to that success. McCarthy’s clutch throws, Corum’s dynamic running, and Graham’s dominant presence on the defensive line ensured that Michigan could withstand the pressure from one of college football’s most storied programs. These three returnees showed why they are the backbone of this Michigan team, and their leadership, talent, and composure were critical in securing a win against a program of Alabama’s caliber. As Michigan continues its playoff push, these players will undoubtedly be key figures in the Wolverines’ quest for a national title.
