PASADENA, Calif. — After Michigan converted an extra point to tie the game at 20 late in the fourth quarter, it was hard not to think about how Michigan would have been ahead if not for a miss earlier in the game. The Wolverines prevailed against Alabama in Monday’s playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl, 27-20 in overtime, in spite of several uncharacteristic special teams miscues.

Michigan entered the Rose Bowl 13-0 largely due to what head coach Jim Harbaugh had dubbed the “we-fense.” Michigan’s offense, defense, and special teams units worked together to give Michigan a field position edge in most games. The kicking and punting operations had been solid all around.

This was not the case against Alabama, and it was evident early on.

Alabama’s first possession ended in a punt that freshman Semaj Morgan dropped and Alabama recovered in Michigan territory.

After Michigan’s second touchdown, James Turner missed the extra point. He’d later miss a 49-yard field goal.

Morgan declined to catch two punts he probably should have, then caught one he should have let go (at Michigan’s 5-yard line; he returned it to the 13). Michigan went with Jake Thaw to return the final punt of the game, but he muffed it inside Michigan’s 5 and was tackled in the end zone (forward progress put the ball on the Michigan 1). Long snapper William Wagner, usually so reliable, was shaky all game. Tommy Doman had a 36-yard punt that was fair caught at the Alabama 30.

Michigan’s special teams mistakes were only magnified by Alabama’s execution. Alabama’s kicker made both of his field-goal attempts, from 50 and 52 yards. The punting was sound.

“I think special teams did a good job tonight,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “We did a good job of controlling field position.”

Michigan had several head-scratching moments on the big stage. The first snap of the game nearly went for an interception when J.J. McCarthy, attempting to throw the ball away, failed to throw it far or high enough. The least penalized team in the country had an unnecessary block in the back call on its final drive.

Michigan entered the game with just seven turnovers — no team in the country had fewer — but had the first-quarter giveaway. The Wolverines had only trailed in two games this season and never in the second half, but faced a late fourth-quarter deficit against Alabama.

The extra-point miss was the first since the season opener. Turner had made 14 straight field goals — dating back to Sep. 23 — before Monday’s miss.

It stands to reason Michigan will need to clean up these things for Monday’s national championship against fellow unbeaten Washington in Houston.

For 13 games, Michigan’s special teams play contributed to the winning. In the Rose Bowl, it was something Michigan had to overcome.