The University of Alabama's football team, which came into their latest game tied for 115th nationally in sacks allowed, has encountered severe difficulties in pass protection this season. They have now given up a total of 45 sacks, with four of those occurring in the first 18 minutes of the current game. This has tied the record for the most first-half sacks allowed under Coach Nick Saban, matching the five sacks conceded in a 2021 game against Auburn. This is only the second time since at least 2015 that Alabama has taken five sacks in the first half of a game, with the previous instance also being in the 2021 game against Auburn. Michigan's defense has been particularly effective in the Rose Bowl, with their five sacks marking the most in the first half of any College Football Playoff semifinal or final. The previous record was four sacks by Clemson against Alabama in the 2015 season championship game. At halftime, Alabama leads Michigan with a score of 10-5.
Pretty significant stat to put Michigan's five sacks into perspective. That's just the fourth time under Nick Saban that an Alabama QB has been sacked five times in a half per @ESPNStatsInfo (Bryce Young 2021, AJ McCarron 2013, Greg McElroy 2010)
At halftime Bama leads 10 points to 5 sacks.
Bama just allowed 5 first half sacks. Has that ever happened before in the Saban era? @statmuse
#Alabama tied for 115th nationally in sacks allowed and #Michigan in the first half dominating the trenches. #RoseBowl2024 🌹
The 5 sacks for Michigan are the most in the first half of a CFP semifinal or final. Previous high was 4 for Clemson vs Alabama in championship game in 2015 season
This is the first time Alabama has been sacked five times in a half since 2021 vs. Auburn.
Alabama takes 5 sacks in 1st half of a game for 2nd time since at least 2015. Also did it in 24-22 win vs Auburn in 2021
Entering today's game, Alabama ranked 123rd nationally in sacks allowed (43 total) this season. Already four more today.
Per @ESPNStatsInfo Alabama's four sacks allowed are tied for its most in a 1st half this season. The most 1st-half sacks Alabama has allowed under Nick Saban is 5 (2022 vs Auburn).
Alabama was 111th nationally in sacks allowed with 43 this season. Might give up 43 more today.
'Bama had allowed 8 sacks in the last 5 gms entering today. @UMichFootball has 4 in the first 18 minutes
Alabama came into today's game tied for 115th nationally in sacks allowed. Already allowed 4 sacks.
Alabama has now given up 45 sacks this season.