Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Tyler Morris (8) runs with the ball during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Michigan WR Tyler Morris burns Alabama defense for long TD

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/1/24

After responding to Alabama’s 34-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter of Monday’s College Football Playoff semifinal with an 8-yard TD pass, it took the Michigan Wolverines nearly a full quarter to take their first lead of the game.

On a third-and-10 in Alabama territory, quarterback J.J. McCarthy hit sophomore receiver Tyler Morris on a slant across the middle for what appeared to be just enough for a first down. However, Morris caught just the right angle and turned on the burners, outracing the Crimson Tide defense down the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown.

TYLER MORRIS TIP-TOES INTO THE END ZONE FOR MICHIGAN #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/r8UweoCjdg
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2024

It was Morris’ first reception of the game and the longest of his college career. Before Monday’s CFP matchup, Morris hadn’t played since a 31-24 win over Maryland on Nov. 18, a game in which he had just one reception for 26 yards.

It was also McCarthy’s second touchdown pass of the game, marking the first time the junior QB had multiple touchdown passes since a 49-0 win over Michigan State on Oct. 21. McCarthy completed 9 of 14 passes for 115 yards and the two scores and Michigan led 13-7 at time of publication.

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