For the first time in 9 years, an SEC team will not appear in the National Championship game.

Alabama fell to No. 1 Michigan in overtime Monday at the Rose Bowl 27-20, just the Tide’s 2nd loss of the season. The Tide took the lead late in the game but couldn’t quite hold on as Michigan surged to tie things up with a touchdown by Roman Wilson.

Blake Corum answered in overtime while Jalen Milroe and the Alabama offense failed to convert on 4th and goal from the 2.

Now, the national champion will be one of the following: Michigan, Washington or Texas. That means for the first time since 2018 there will be a national champion outside of the SEC and for the first time since 2014 (Ohio State vs. Oregon) there will not be an SEC program fighting for the national title.