What a weekend for the 2023 College Football Playoffs and the four teams that made it. There were heartbreaks, confusion, and overall hysertia with Alabama’s selection, particularly due to Florida State University’s failure to reach the playoffs after an improbable undefeated season. Many speculations relate to the financial appeal of Alabama compared to FSU, especially in light of the recent injury to FSU’s quarterback, Jordan Travis. This situation forced the committee to take a deeper look, eventually choosing the one loss Crimson Tide to take the final spot.

For the average football fan who doesn’t follow these teams too closely, there’s a need for an ultimate guide. This guide offers all fans an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the four teams in the playoffs and understand how they earned their spots.

#1 MICHIGAN vs. #4 ALABAMA OVERVIEW:

Game Details: No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Alabama

Stadium: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California

Date: January 1, 2024

Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Broadcast: ESPN

COACHES HEAD TO HEAD:

Michigan: Jim Harbaugh – 84-25 Michigan, 142-52 College, 44-19-1 NFL | 10-0* in 2023 

Alabama: Nick Saban – 201-28 Alabama, 292-70-1 College, 15-17 NFL | 12-1 in 2023

Head to Head: Saban 1 – Harbaugh 0 (2020 Citrus Bowl) | Final Score: Alabama 35, Michigan 16

* Harbaugh was suspended multiple times during the 2023 season due to different violations. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as the interim coach for the first missed game, Jay Harbaugh and Mike Hart were co-head coaches for the second game, and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore was named the acting head coach for the third game. After Harbaugh was suspended for the final three games to end the 2023 regular season, Moore was once again named acting head coach and went 3-0 in that time period. The unique aspect is that Harbaugh was credited with the wins. 

MICHIGAN SCHEDULE:

Record: 13-0 

ALABAMA SCHEDULE:

Record: 12-1

TEAM REACTIONS:

Michigan’s reaction to playing Alabama was something that caught the attention of social media.

Michigan reacts to Alabama being selected at No. 4. Wolverines and Crimson Tide in the CFP semi. pic.twitter.com/V2mrgLQA3W

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 3, 2023

#2 WASHINGTON vs. #3 TEXAS OVERVIEW:

Game Details: No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas

Stadium: Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: January 1, 2024

Time: 8:45 Eastern Standard Time

Broadcast: ESPN

COACHES HEAD TO HEAD:

Washington: Kalen DeBoer – 24-2 Huskies, 103-11 College | 13-0 in 2023

Texas: Steve Sarkisian – 25-13 Texas, 71-48 College | 12-1 in 2023

Head to Head: DeBoer 1 – Sarkisian 0 (2022 Valero Alamo Bowl) | Final Score: 27 Washington, 20 Texas

WASHINGTON SCHEDULE:

Record: 13-0

TEXAS SCHEDULE:

Record: 12-1

TEAM REACTIONS:

The moment 🤘 pic.twitter.com/WlPZoJCiD6

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 3, 2023

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

When: January 8, 2024

Where: Houston, Texas

Who: TBD

The winners of these football games will compete in the College Football National Championship game on Monday, January 8th at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.

PREDICT THE SCORES:

Engage with us! Use the comment system below to predict the scores of the semifinal games and share your thoughts on who will win the National Championship Game on January 8th.