Rose Bowl 2024 odds: Can Michigan live up to still being the favorite?

In a recent article in The Athletic, college football coaches revealed some unsurprising opinions about why Michigan isn't as highly favored the closer they get to the playoffs. One was, of course, that the Wolverines have lost each of their two CFP semifinal games and that Harbaugh has racked up six consecutive losses in bowl games.

But outside coaches also believe that out-of-game distractions such as Michigan's sign-stealing scandal have worn the team down, particularly when it comes to starting QB J.J. McCarthy.

"Once all that stuff happened, he just doesn’t look the same," one defensive coordinator told The Athletic. "I don’t know if he’s hurt. I thought he was a Heisman candidate. Heisman quarterbacks don’t throw only eight passes in a game. I think before, he was ready for it and he was confident."

Of course, running back Blake Corum is Michigan's big offensive star right now. (Not to mention being DK's favorite pick to score the first TD at the Rose Bowl at +360 odds.) But if the outside noise is too much for the starting quarterback, Michigan could be in trouble — especially when playing opposite Jalen Milroe, who trended upward as Alabama's season went along.

"I think it’s the same old thing with Michigan," one Big Ten secondary coach told The Athletic. "They’re extremely talented, but if someone can hold up upfront with them, I think they’re just too one-dimensional."

This isn't to say that everyone thinks Michigan isn't the playoff favorite anymore. In fact, SB Nation's Maze N' Brew is plenty confident the Wolverines will top the Tide, naming their experience as a factor that can help.

"The Crimson Tide have won three championships during the CFP era and would normally own the experience factor in this game. However, that isn’t the case this year," the site reads. "Alabama missed out on the playoffs last year and has many contributors who have never been in this position."

It also believes Michigan's defense can successfully pressure Milroe.

"The Crimson Tide gave up 43 sacks this year, an average of 3.31 each game. Part of it is Milroe holding the ball for too long, but the offense line has also been exposed at times," Maze N' Brew said.

All in all, it's looking like there are a lot of mixed reviews when it comes to whether the Wolverines should still be the favorite to win the 2024 Rose Bowl. Whether you feel confident enough to bet on this one or not, most parties can probably agree that this going to be a very exciting game — as well as a close one.