Michigan pass rush sets all-time CFP record for most sacks in a half vs. Alabama
Michigan sacked Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe 5 times in the 1st half of the Rose Bowl on Monday night.
According to the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow, that’s a new record for the most sacks in the 1st half of any College Football Playoff semifinal or final. This is the 28th playoff game in the CFP era.
Michigan’s total beats the previous record of 4 sacks in the 1st half by Clemson vs. Alabama in the national championship game for the 2015 season.
The 5 sacks for Michigan are the most in the first half of a CFP semifinal or final. Previous high was 4 for Clemson vs Alabama in championship game in 2015 season
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 1, 2024
Most of Michigan’s damage came on 4 of the Crimson Tide’s first 5 drives. Alabama went 3-and-out on all but 1 of its first 5 drives, mostly because it could not protect Milroe in passing situations.
Michigan picked up its 5th and final sack of the 1st half on Alabama’s last offensive play before the break. The sack forced Alabama to attempt a 50-yard field goal, which it converted to make the score 13-10 going into halftime.
In addition to the 5 sacks, Michigan also amassed 7 tackles for loss in the 1st half. The 7 tackles for loss were recorded by 7 different Michigan defenders.