Watch: Michigan catches a lucky break on McCarthy interception

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs in the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Michigan catches a lucky break on J.J. McCarthy interception

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 1/1/24

Michigan’s College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama at the Rose Bowl on Monday could not have gotten off to much worse of a start.

The Wolverines got the ball first and J.J. McCarthy appeared to be intercepted on Michigan’s first play from scrimmage.

CALEB DOWNS PICKS OFF JJ MCCARTHY ON THE FIRST PLAY OF THE GAME!! #ROLLTIDE pic.twitter.com/7AYe68On5y

— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) January 1, 2024

However, replays revealed that Caleb Downs’ foot was out of bounds before he began his jump, which negated the interception.

First play from scrimmage

Michigan’s JJ McCarthy makes a very bad decision

This was ruled as incomplete because the Bama safety Caleb Downs was out of bounds

What a start pic.twitter.com/YZ7FrZxrwV

— New York Sports Midia (@NYSMidia) January 1, 2024

Michigan maintained possession but still punted after going three-and-out. They were able to get a few sacks on Jalen Milroe on Alabama’s first possession, but then the Wolverines muffed the ensuing punt.

Alabama picked up the fumble and then later scored on a rushing touchdown to go up 7-0.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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