ReliaQuest Bowl Preview: Michigan vs Alabama on New Year’s Eve

TAMPA, Fla. – The last time Michigan football (7-5, 5-4 Big Ten) took the field it found a way to beat No. 2 Ohio State 13-10. Much has changed since Nov. 30, but the Wolverines will hope to have enough for another upset against No. 11 Alabama (9-3, 5-3 SEC) in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.

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Preview: Michigan vs Alabama

The Crimson Tide were the first team out of the college football playoffs. Headlined by quarterback Jalen Milroe, Alabama averaged over 35 points per game this season. Milroe completed over 65.9 percent of his passes for 2,652 yards and 15 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. 

Additionally, he was one of the best running quarterbacks in the country with 152 carries for 719 yards and 20 touchdowns. Only six FBS players had more scores on the ground.

“I mean, for us, you start off (on) offense, and Jalen is special,” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said at a press conference Monday. “He’s not like any quarterback we’ve played or the ability that he has to impact the game with his legs. They’ve got great playmakers on the outside, a big offensive line. It’s just a different animal. It’s a different group.”

Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams is arguably the most explosive player in the country. The 17-year-old averaged nearly 20 yards per reception and scored eight touchdowns this season.

The Crimson Tide defense allowed just 17.3 points per game in 2024. Junior linebacker Jihaad Campbell racked up 108 tackles, which was 32 more than any other player on his team. A recent Sports Illustrated mock draft had Campbell as a first round selection in the NFL draft.

“Defensively, again, NFL players everywhere,” Moore said. “We’ve played some really good teams all year. We’ve played Oregon, played Texas, played Ohio State. So similar to those guys and the guys that we’ve played, the top competition that we played all year.”

The Wolverines will be without several key starters on both sides of the ball, whereas Alabama will be close to full strength. 

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