Alabama football is back in the College Football Playoff. For the first time since 2021, the Crimson Tide will play on New Year’s Day on a national stage.

UA players believe they were doubted on their path, winning 11 straight after a 1-1 start and dethroning Georgia as Southeastern Conference champions. But No. 4 Alabama meets a formidable test in a No. 1 Michigan that, at least statistically, ranks as the best in the country.

Both teams have been asked about their CFP success, or lack of it, in the case of the Wolverines. Michigan has made the playoff in back-to-back-to-back seasons but never advanced past the first round. Meanwhile, Nick Saban can win his eighth national title and fourth of the current era.

“I think every team develops a character of their own by how they play and how they compete, and that’s something that every team has to earn,” Saban said on Saturday when asked about the intimidation factor Alabama’s dynasty brings to the postseason. ” … I think you want to play to a high standard, and that’s always the goal. If that creates an advantage for you, so be it.”

Ahead of the 4 p.m. start on New Year’s Day, here’s who national pundits and outlets are predicting to win between Alabama and Michigan.

Adam Rittenberg called UA a “flawed by ascending team” and gave the Tide a 31-23 edge.

Asked on ESPN’s College Gameday, the Ole Miss head coach joked he was set up by host Kirk Herbstreit, but sided with his former boss.

According to most of the site’s picks, we’re looking at an Alabama-Washington national championship. Five of six writers picked Saban and co.

Pate picked Alabama. The On3 analyst said on The Next Round that it’s as “simple” as the Tide not committing a turnover.

Seven of the site’s eight pickers went with Alabama. The lone descender was David Cobb, giving U-M the edge with a 1.5-point spread and straight-up. Writer Tom Fornelli explained his pick by stating Michigan’s prior losses in the CFP.

The site’s prediction was 30-19 in favor of the Wolverines, the technical 1.5-point favorites.

I can’t do much better than last time. After a year of watching the SEC beat up on each other (especially considering the impending arrivals of Texas and Oklahoma), I don’t know what to make of the Big 10 and Michigan, especially following Bowl Season.

But what I do know is Alabama has discussed Michigan as if it were a Georiga or similarly talented bunch; Wolverines J.J. McCarthy has the combination of athleticism and arm talent (if healthy) that’s caused UA’s defense fits. That being said, Alabama’s front seven is well-suited to swallow up Michigan’s trick plays and physical attack. U-M also hasn’t seen anyone like Jalen Milroe, no disrespect to backup Alex Orji.

The Crimson Tide will force a key turnover late and Milroe and co. will book a trip to Houston.

Pick: Alabama 27, Michigan 17

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