On New Year’s Eve, two storied programs in transition meet in the ReliaQuest Bowl as No. 11 Alabama (9-3) takes on Michigan (7-5). The matchup kicks off at Noon ET on ESPN at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note after navigating their first years under new head coaches.
Alabama, led by Kalen DeBoer, retained some consistency with dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe anchoring the offense, while Michigan faced instability under Sherrone Moore, who took over following Jim Harbaugh’s national championship win last year. This clash of rebuilding squads promises to be a fascinating battle of styles.
The Crimson Tide showed flashes of brilliance in Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural year but struggled with consistency. Alabama closed the season with a decisive 28-14 win over rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl, with Milroe’s 104 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns leading the way. However, the Tide’s offense faltered in the passing game over the final stretch, as Milroe threw zero touchdowns and four interceptions across the last two games.
Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams was a bright spot, leading the team with 45 catches for 857 yards and eight touchdowns. However, he finished the year on a quiet note, failing to surpass 55 receiving yards in the last five games. Alabama’s defense, while talented, showed vulnerability against more balanced offenses.
With Milroe likely headed to the NFL after this game, the Tide should lean on their quarterback to deliver a memorable finale, especially against a Michigan defense missing key pieces due to opt-outs.
Michigan’s season was marked by turbulence, particularly at the quarterback position. Senior Davis Warren will start the bowl game after the Wolverines shuffled through three quarterbacks throughout the year. Warren’s numbers – 1,126 passing yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions – leave much to be desired, but he helped lead Michigan to a signature win over Ohio State in Columbus despite throwing for just 62 yards and two interceptions.
The Wolverines’ strength lies in their ground game and defense. Running back Kalel Mullings powered the offense with 948 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns this season, including 116 yards against the Buckeyes. However, Michigan’s offensive depth will be tested with several key players, including Donovan Edwards, Tyler Morris and Colston Loveland, opting out of the bowl game.
Defensively, Michigan’s 18th-ranked rush defense (per EPA) remains stout, but their pass defense, already weakened throughout the season, takes a further hit with cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackle Mason Graham sitting out. Without their top playmakers, Michigan’s path to victory will rely heavily on controlling the clock and avoiding turnovers.
This game sets up as a showcase for Jalen Milroe, who has been the engine of Alabama’s offense all season. Michigan’s defense, while strong against the run, is vulnerable through the air, particularly without Will Johnson. Expect DeBoer to use this opportunity to get his young star receiver Ryan Williams involved early and often, hoping to reestablish the connection that made Alabama’s passing game dynamic earlier in the season.
On the other side, Michigan should lean on Kalel Mullings to wear down Alabama’s front seven, but without Edwards and Loveland, the Wolverines lack the weapons to keep pace if this turns into a high-scoring affair. Davis Warren’s struggles under center and Michigan’s depleted roster give Alabama a significant edge.
With both teams navigating opt-outs and injuries, the Tide’s stability at quarterback and playmaking ability at wide receiver should make the difference. Alabama’s defense will likely focus on stopping the run, forcing Warren to make plays through the air – something he has struggled with all year.
Williams has been quiet down the stretch but has the talent to shine in this matchup against a Michigan secondary missing its top cornerback. This game provides the perfect opportunity for him to deliver a breakout performance as Alabama looks to cap off DeBoer’s first year with a statement win. Expect Williams to eclipse 75 yards for the first time since early October.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.