A Closer Look At Michigan's History With The Rose Bowl

The No. 1 ranked Michigan Wolverines will clash with No. 4 Alabama in one of college football's most historic stadiums.

Although Michigan fans wouldn't replace the Big House for any other stadium in the world, there is just something magical about the idea of the Wolverines playing in the Rose Bowl on January 1. Add another blue blood program like Alabama into the mix, and you've got the perfect setting for what college football is all about.

Michigan is certainly no stranger when it comes to the Rose Bowl. In fact, the Wolverines will be making their 21st appearance in the Rose Bowl during this year's College Football Playoff Semifinal - more than any other program in the Big Ten Conference. The Wolverines are 8-12 all-time in Rose Bowl games, and their last appearance occurred back in 2007 in a 32-18 loss to USC. 

One of the many reasons why the Rose Bowl holds such a special place in the hearts of Michigan fans is due to the fact that the Wolverines won a national championship in the venue back in 1997, the same year that Charles Woodson captured the Heisman trophy. As former Michigan offensive lineman Jon Jansen points out below, there's just nothing quite like the Wolverines in Pasadena.  

Alabama will certainly present a strong challenge for Michigan, but the Wolverines enter the playoff matchup with a perfect 13-0 record and ranked as the No. 1 team in the country. It's worth nothing that this is the first time Michigan has a No. 1 ranking in the polls since 1997 (national championship year).

Here are some quick facts about Michigan's bowl game history:

• Michigan will be making its 51st all-time bowl appearance, which is the 11th-highest total among FBS schools.

• Michigan will be making its 40th all-time bowl appearance in the month of January.

• Michigan has played in 12 different bowl games during its history, winning 21 bowl games, which is the 17th-highest total among FBS schools.

• The Wolverines are playing in the Rose Bowl for 21st time in school history; 8-12 record.

• Michigan's last appearance in the Rose Bowl came during the 2006 season, a 32-18 setback against USC on Jan. 1, 2007.

Michigan's Rose Bowl history

• Overall Record: 8-12
• Last Appearance: 2007, vs USC (Michigan 18, USC 32)

Complete Games List

1. 2007: USC 32, Michigan 18
2. 2005: Texas 38, Michigan 37
3. 2004: USC 28, Michigan 14
4. 1998: Michigan 21, Washington State 16
5. 1993: Michigan 38, Washington 31
6. 1992: Washington 34, Michigan 14
7. 1990: USC 17, Michigan 10
8. 1989: Michigan 22, USC 14
9. 1987: Arizona State 22, Michigan 15
10. 1983: UCLA 24, Michigan 14
11. 1981: Michigan 23, Washington 6
12. 1979: USC 17, Michigan 10
13. 1978: Washington 27, Michigan 20
14. 1977: USC 14, Michigan 6
15. 1972: Stanford 13, Michigan 12
16. 1970: USC 10, Michigan 3
17. 1965: Michigan 34, Oregon State 7
18. 1951: Michigan 14, California 6
19. 1948: Michigan 49, USC 0
20. 1902: Michigan 49, Stanford 0