5 things we learned from Rose Bowl win by Michigan football

The defense was 1997-esque

Michigan football needed its defense to be elite to knock off the Crimson Tide and they were just that. The Wolverines held Alabama to its lowest yardage total of the season. Jalen Milroe completed 16-of-23 passes for just 116 yards. He did some damage on the ground but was also sacked six times -- five times in the first half.

The Wolverines only forced the one turnover, but even that was huge. Michigan's offense had three straight three-and-outs at one point in the second half. Twice in the fourth quarter, Alabama took the ball leading 17-13. A touchdown on either drive and it's hard to see a comeback happening.

Michigan football forced a turnover on one drive, then forced a field goal after a sack. On the overtime drive, Mason Graham got a tackle for loss, and that led to the fourth-down play call because Alabama never caught up after getting behind the sticks.

It's been a long time since we have seen a Michigan defense this good. The blitzes were incredible and the pass coverage made it all possible. Every contested ball down the field was won by the Wolverines. It took all 11 players and a masterful job by Jesse Minter, but this defense has 1997 vibes.