The Brady Bunch vs. The Crimson Tide: A Matchup Made in Bowl Game Heaven (Except That One Time)
Believe it or not, despite both boasting a trophy cabinet overflowing with enough hardware to stock a medieval armory, the gridiron giants of Michigan and Alabama haven't exactly been throwing down on the field on a yearly basis.
So, how many times have these two titans actually clashed?
Brace yourselves, college football fanatics, because the answer is a measly five. That's right, you could probably count the number of times your uncle Steve has grilled a decent burger on one hand (and it wouldn't even take all your fingers).
Here's the breakdown:
- These powerhouses first met in the 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl, a game that somehow managed to avoid ending in a tie (Michigan won, 28-24).
- They tangled again in the 1997 Outback Bowl, where Alabama emerged victorious 17-14. Fun fact: This was the year Michigan went undefeated and Charles Woodson snagged the Heisman!
- The turn of the millennium brought another epic clash in the 2000 Orange Bowl, which, get this, went into overtime. Tom Brady, in his final college game, led the Wolverines to a thrilling 35-34 victory.
- Unfortunately for Maize and Blue fans, things went south in the 2012 season opener. Alabama stomped Michigan 41-14, leaving a bitter taste in Wolverine mouths (and possibly leading to a significant uptick in therapy sessions).
- The most recent battle took place in the 2020 Citrus Bowl, where Alabama squeaked by with a 35-16 win.
Why the paucity of epic showdowns?
There are a few reasons why these two college football royalty haven't graced us with more frequent battles.
- Conference Misery: Michigan resides in the Big Ten, while Alabama calls the SEC home. Unless they both make it to the College Football Playoffs (like they did in the 2020 season!), their paths rarely cross.
- Scheduling Shenanigans: Scheduling these powerhouses in the regular season can be a logistical nightmare. Let's be honest, nobody wants their season potentially derailed by a game in September against a team stacked with future NFL stars.
But hey, at least every time these two do meet, it's a guaranteed barn burner, right?
FAQ: You Asked, We Answered (Kinda)
How to watch a Michigan-Alabama game?
- Keep an eye out for College Football Playoff matchups! These are your best bets for catching these two titans clash.
How to convince them to play every year?
- This one might require a time machine and some serious historical meddling. Good luck!
How many national championships do Michigan and Alabama have combined?
- A whopping 28! That's more rings than a jewelry store.
How to pick a winner when Michigan plays Alabama?
- Flip a coin. It's basically a crapshoot (though the recent trend favors the Crimson Tide).
How many times will Michigan and Alabama play in the future?
- Only the college football scheduling gods know for sure. But one thing's for certain: whenever they do meet, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a wild ride!
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