Before beating Washington in the CFP National Championship game, Michigan beat Alabama in the CFP semifinal at the Rose Bowl 27-20 in overtime. An errant snap by former Crimson Tide center Seth McLaughlin allowed the Wolverines to stop Alabama on a fourth-and-goal Jalen Milroe run play at the 3-yard line to secure the win.

Jim Harbaugh is refusing to comment on the NCAA’s decision to fine the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game due to the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater.

Alabama football's Kalen DeBoer was asked about the NCAA punishing Michigan for its sign-stealing scandal, after he faced the Wolverines with Washington in the 2023 national championship game.