Watch: Alabama draws first blood in semifinal with TD run

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jase McClellan (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the first quarter in the 2024 Rose Bowl. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Alabama draws first blood in CFP semifinal with 34-yard TD run

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Jan 1, 2024 6:09 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game (87.1) in the country this season, but that didn’t matter on Alabama’s second possession of Monday’s College Football Playoff semifinal matchup.

After recovering a Michigan fumble during a punt return, Alabama senior running back Jase McClellan took a first-down handoff from quarterback Jalen Milroe, burst through the line and outraced the Wolverine defense for a 34-yard touchdown run to get the Crimson Tide on the board first.

JASE MCCLELLAN AND BAMA STRIKE FIRST IN PASADENA‼️#CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/KdmAVKPTr4
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2024

McClellan had two carries for 40 yards and a score at time of publication, nearly accounting for nearly half of the total rush yards Michigan’s defense typically allows per game.

The 5-foot-11 senior was Alabama’s leading rusher this season, logging 803 yards on 166 carries (both team highs) while averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

He also added six rushing touchdowns — second-most behind Milroe — and contributed 13 receptions for 26 yards.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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