Welcome to The Granddaddy of Them All.

On Monday, Alabama football will start its eighth trip in the College Football Playoff, facing Michigan in the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, Calif. The winner books a trip to Houston for Jan. 8′s national championship but before then, two of the sport’s premier programs will meet in an iconic setting.

The Crimson Tide enter as the No. 4 seed and the champions of the Southeastern Conference. Uncharacteristically, Nick Saban and co. lost their first game of the season all the way back on Sept. 9 (Week 2 at home to Texas). With questions on the defensive side of the ball and an opening at quarterback, UA faced a daunting fall. But behind quarterback Jalen Milroe and a defense headlined by multiple future first-round picks, the Tide asserted itself as the hottest team in the country, especially after ending Georgia’s 29-game winning streak.

The Wolverines have paired controversy with success. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has been suspended, twice, and a sign-stealing scandal consumed headlines, resulting in U-M firing at least one coach and staffer. But on the field, there’s been little to find going against Michigan. J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum lead an efficient offense that benefits from trick plays. And the defense is comparable to the Tide’s, with elite talent at all three levels.

Who will face the winner of No. 2 Washington versus No. 3 Texas? Which head coach will potentially get one step closer to his future endeavor? Follow along live for score and injury updates, as well as analysis.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].