Michigan football takes down Alabama 19-13 in ReliaQuest Bowl

TAMPA, Fla. — Michigan football finishes 2024 with an 8-5 record (5-4 Big Ten) after it took down No. 11 Alabama 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday. The maize and blue had less than 200 yards of offense, but they executed well on defense and special teams throughout the game.

“The physicality was there,” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said after the game. “We knew it would be that type of game so we were ready for it.”

Michigan beats Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl

The first quarter consisted of Alabama making mistakes and Michigan taking advantage of it. The first four Crimson Tide drives ended with a turnover on downs, two fumbles and an interception. The Wolverines started each ensuing possession in Alabama territory, including three inside the 20 yard line. The maize and blue were out to a 16-0 lead while holding the Crimson Tide to negative two yards after the first quarter.

Alabama’s offense recentered itself in the second quarter and put 10 points on the board before halftime. The Wolverines were 1-for-4 on third down conversions in the second quarter, and their offense struggled to put together drives for most of the game. Michigan led 16-10 at the half.

Quarterback Alex Orji replaced an injured Davis Warren (lower body) in the third quarter, and the Wolverines only threw a handful of forward passes henceforth. Running back Jordan Marshall got loose in the second half and led all players in rushing yards (100). Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada tied a ReliaQuest Bowl record with four field goals (4-for-4).

“I think he’s got a bright future,” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said of Marshall. “He reminds me so much of Blake (Corum) in the way he approaches his business and what he does off the field to take care of his body. You obviously saw how he runs, he’s a physical runner, he can make people miss (and) he can run you over. Obviously has that burst.”

Marshall took home the ReliaQuest Bowl MVP trophy.

With the score at 19-13 and under two minutes left, wide receiver Ryan Williams took a punt return for 38 yards to set up Alabama for a chance to win. The Crimson Tide drove down to Michigan’s 15 yard line. The maize and blue defense stood stout and forced a turnover on downs to close the game out.

“I thought they did a really good job of funneling (Jalen Milroe) in the pocket and making it uncomfortable for him and hitting him,” Moore said of his defense on the final drive. “I thought our D-Line just did an outstanding job.

“… Credit to the players. You don’t have Mason Graham, you don’t have Kenneth Grant, so people think there’s this big fall-off. Now those are two incredible players, but our guys really take a lot of pride in being physical.”

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