The Michigan Wolverines have made a lot of headlines this season. With the controversy surrounding their sign-stealing scandal and head coach Jim Harbaugh, there were certainly questions as to whether they would make the College Football Playoff (CFP). Well, not only did they make the CFP but they are the top seed.
Now, they get ready to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide. As the top seed, the Michigan Wolverines are receiving a lot of support from certain sportsbooks. Find out below why the sportsbooks may be their biggest cheerleader.
At the time of writing, the Alabama Crimson Tide is the most popular college football bowl team for underdog moneyline bets. It is safe to say that there is a large portion of betting money being put on Alabama for this game.
For sportsbooks like BetMGM, that means that there is some pressure on the Michigan Wolverines to win this game. BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee was quoted saying this:
“The biggest need for BetMGM heading into bowl season is for Michigan to beat Alabama. There is lopsided action on Alabama in the semifinal and the Tide are the biggest liability to win the National Championship.”
Dec 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with defensive back Mike Sainristil (0) after winning the Big Ten Championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Despite all of the action on Alabama, sportsbooks like BetMGM seem to believe that the Michigan Wolverines will take care of business. Why is this the case? Despite all of the bets being placed on Alabama, Michigan is still a 1.5-point favorite in this game. 
One reason for this is Michigan’s elite defense. Just how good has this defense been this season? Michigan is second in the nation when it comes to total yards allowed per game.
Two trends could explain why bettors are backing Alabama in this game. Both have to do with history in the College Football Playoff. Let’s start with the Michigan Wolverines.
They have made the CFP each of the last two years. However, they got bounced in the semifinal both times. Last year, it came in dramatic fashion against the TCU Horned Frogs. Now, Michigan looks to get over the hump.
Historically, Alabama has proven they can overcome adversity in the CFP. Since the start of the four-team playoff format in 2014, the Crimson Tide have been a staple of the CFP. They have won the national championship three times in the past nine years. That is more than any other program in that stretch. 
Alabama has also done this as a four-seed before. That run was in 2017 when they defeated the Clemson Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs to win it all. It appears that many bettors assume that Alabama is ready to make another run after sneaking into the College Football Playoff this season.
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Roydell Williams (5) runs against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. (7) in the first quarter of the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
