ESPN Conflicted Over Michigan Football Rose Bowl Matchup

ESPN, one of the most popular sports networks in the world, has been quite harsh on Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines leading up to the College Football Playoff due to the sign-stealing scandal, which came to light back in October. Ahead of the Michigan football Rose Bowl matchup against Alabama on January 1, the famed network appears a bit conflicted on who it wants to pick — its writers and talking heads are leaning towards Bama, though its predictive FPI model is sticking with the Wolverines.

Michigan football Rose Bowl odds have ESPN conflicted, it seems

On New Year’s Day, Michigan football will face Alabama in its most important game under Jim Harbaugh — a win would send the Wolverines to the national title game with a perfect 14-0 record, while a loss would drop Harbaugh’s bowl record to 1-7 (with seven-straight losses) since taking over the program back in late 2014.

Analysts taking Alabama right now

According to some at ESPN, such as writer Adam Rittenberg, analyst Paul Finebaum, and more, Alabama should handle business against Michigan football in the Rose Bowl. However, on the other hand, ESPN’s very own prediction model — the Football Power Index — favors the Maize and Blue.

Football Power Index likes the Wolverines

Per the ESPN Power Index, Michigan football has a 55.5% chance of beating Bama in the Rose Bowl game, punching its ticket to the national championship game for the first time in program history. Of course, Las Vegas’s betting odds reflect what the FPI says, as Michigan remains favored by around two points against the Crimson Tide when it comes to its coming College Football Playoff bout against Nick Saban and Co.

We will have lots of Rose Bowl coverage from Pasadena throughout the week, so make sure to stay tuned and follow our social media (Twitter: @BluebyNinety) for all things Michigan-Alabama in the Rose Bowl!

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