Caleb Downs nearly had an interception early in the Rose Bowl against JJ McCarthy. But after a lackluster series by the Alabama offense, the Crimson Tide got a fumble recovery on a muffed punt by Michigan.

Semaj Morgan returned the ball for 6 yards officially, but never got a clear possession of the ball, and it was recovered by Quandarrius Robinson. The play happened near midfield and Alabama recovered its possession at the Michigan 44-yard line. The play happened at the 11:52 mark of the first quarter after Michigan received the ball first as Alabama deferred its possession to start the second half.

It was a rough first possession for the Tide as Jalen Milroe was under pressure. He was sacked on 1st down and 3rd down as Alabama faced a 2nd down and 23 from its own 24,a nd then a 3rd and 12, which resulted in a sack of 11 yards.