The Rose Bowl is nicknamed The Granddaddy of Them All for a reason: It’s the oldest and best college football bowl game. This year’s edition of the Rose Bowl doubles as a playoff game with a doozy of a semifinal matchup.
Michigan is entering the postseason with a sterling undefeated record, while the Crimson Tide are peaking at just the right time. Who’ll exit the Rose Bowl with the chance to win a national title? Here’s what you need to know about watching or streaming the Rose Bowl.
What time is the Rose Bowl?
Alabama fans have experienced their share of swings this season, as the Crimson Tide went from losing to Texas to upsetting Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. As for Michigan, the undefeated Wolverines spent the season as national championship favorites, but they have yet to notch a win in the playoffs. Is this the year they finally get the monkey off their back?
The Rose Bowl will be on Monday, Jan 1. It’ll air on ESPN at 5:00 p.m. ET. The game will be at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
#1 Michigan vs. #4 Alabama
vs. 
Date: Monday, Jan. 1
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
How to watch the Rose Bowl for free
Want to watch the Rose Bowl for free on TV? Since the game airs exclusively on ESPN, you’ll need a cable or streaming subscription with ESPN to watch the Rose Bowl. You can use the ESPN app to watch the Rose Bowl for free if you have a qualifying subscription.
Do you prefer to stream the Rose Bowl? We recommend Fubo because the livestreaming TV service has a seven-day free trial, and you can install the service on devices like web browsers, streaming sticks, and smart TVs. Check out our Streaming Free Trials guide to learn more.
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Rose Bowl 2024 preview: Alabama vs. Michigan
Michigan and Alabama are entering the postseason on sky-high trajectories, and both teams are evenly matched up on the field in their first postseason matchup since 2020. Here are our biggest questions ahead of the Rose Bowl.
Michigan vs. Alabama by the stats
| Stat | Michigan | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN FPI | 1st | 5th |
| Passing yards per game | 218.8 (75th) | 228.5 (61st) |
| Rushing yards per game | 161.8 (60th) | 172.7 (49th) |
| Points scored per game | 36.7 (14th) | 35.1 (19th) |
| Passing defense | 152.6 (2nd) | 188.8 (23rd) |
| Rushing defense | 86.6 (6th) | 124.5 (32nd) |
| Points allowed per game | 9.5 (1st) | 18.4 (17th) |
Sacks, sacks, sacks
Alabama’s offensive line improved over the season, but against Georgia, they reverted to less-than-stellar form. Quarterback Jalen Milroe got sacked four times in the SEC Championship Game—which was Alabama’s worst performance since October—and he was largely bottled up on the ground.
But at the same time, it didn’t prevent Milroe and Alabama from racking up multiple explosive plays. Alabama ranks fourth nationally in passing plays over 40 yards, and Milroe will be Michigan’s most dangerous opponent by a considerable margin.
As for Michigan, their offensive line continues to adjust after losing guard Zak Zinter. Against Iowa, quarterback J.J. McCarthy got sacked four times and went scoreless. Alabama linebackers Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell rank 17th and 30th nationally in sacks, and they’ll be a tough test for a Michigan offensive line that’s rebuilding on the fly.
Is Michigan’s offense okay?
J.J. McCarthy briefly had Heisman hype after a strong early season run, but he shifted into game-manager mode over the last third of the season. McCarthy scored only one touchdown during Michigan’s final five games, although he still completed more than 70% of his passes and had zero interceptions on multiple occasions.
Michigan fans could pin this downward trend on assorted scuttlebutt (There were injuries! They’re finally playing tough opponents!), but regardless, the month layoff between games came at a perfect time for Michigan. Michigan’s offense can’t afford to start conservatively against Milroe and a stout Alabama defense.
How to watch the Rose Bowl FAQ
When is the Rose Bowl?
The Rose Bowl is on Monday, Jan. 1. The game will be at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Who is playing in the Rose Bowl?
The Michigan Wolverines will face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl. Michigan has an undefeated 13–0 record, while Alabama won the SEC with a 12–1 record.
When is the Rose Bowl Parade?
The Rose Bowl Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. PT on Monday, Jan. 1. You can watch it on channels including NBC and ABC, depending on your local broadcaster schedule.
What channel is the Rose Bowl on?
The Rose Bowl will air exclusively on ESPN at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Where is the Rose Bowl?
The Rose Bowl is in Pasadena, Calif.
Is Michigan in the Rose Bowl?
Michigan is in this year’s Rose Bowl. They’ll face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
