Michigan Wolverines vs. Alabama Crimson Tide ReliaQuest Bowl 2024
Michigan Wolverines vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: ReliaQuest Bowl 2024 Preview and Prediction
The 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve will feature two storied college football programs Michigan Wolverines (7-5) and the Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) meeting for the second consecutive season. The Wolverines, coming off a tough year and a season-ending victory over Ohio State, look to close out their year on a high note, while Alabama, left out of the 12-team College Football Playoff for the first time in years, seeks redemption and a strong finish to a challenging season.
The clash will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with the game set to kick off at 12:00 PM EST on December 31st, 2024. With both teams bringing different storylines and expectations to the table, this bowl game promises to be an exciting matchup filled with intrigue.
Alabama Crimson Tide: A Season of Missed Opportunities
After dominating the college football scene for years under the legendary Nick Saban, the Alabama Crimson Tide had a season that didn’t live up to expectations. Despite entering the 2024 season with high hopes of making the College Football Playoff, a series of key losses—including a heartbreaking Oklahoma defeat to close the regular season—left the Tide outside the playoff field for only the third time in the last 11 years. Nevertheless, Alabama is still a formidable opponent, with a roster brimming with talent and a chance to finish the season strong against Michigan.
At the helm of the offense is Jalen Milroe, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback who accumulated over 3,300 total yards and scored 35 touchdowns, including 20 on the ground. Milroe leads an offense that ranks 15th nationally in scoring (35.4 points per game). The running game, bolstered by Jam Miller and Justice Haynes, combined for over 1,100 rushing yards, with Milroe contributing 719 yards himself. Meanwhile, freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams impressed with over 800 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Crimson Tide were 10th in scoring defense, allowing just 19.5 points per game. The defense has been especially tough against the run, ranking 40th nationally. Jihaad Campbell, the linebacker leader with 108 tackles, has been a key part of Alabama’s success, helping limit opponents’ offensive output. Alabama also excelled in turnover margin, ranking 24th in the nation with 16 interceptions and 70 passes defensed. Despite being ranked 121st in penalties per game, Alabama’s defensive prowess has often compensated for its occasional lapses.
Michigan Wolverines: Looking to End the Season on a High
The Michigan Wolverines enter the ReliaQuest Bowl following a roller-coaster season that saw them fall short of repeating their National Championship victory. Despite their struggles, including inconsistency at the quarterback position, the Wolverines ended the regular season with a much-needed 13-10 win over Ohio State. This victory helped propel Michigan to a 7-5 record, giving them momentum as they prepare to take on Alabama.
Davis Warren, who has had the most starts for Michigan this season, will take the reins at quarterback. Warren has passed for 1,126 yards, tossing 6 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. However, Michigan’s offensive struggles were evident, as the team ranked just 100th in scoring (20.9 points per game) and 130th in passing offense. The Wolverines’ ground game was a bright spot, with Kalel Mullings leading the team with 948 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. However, Michigan will be without Donovan Edwards, one of their top running backs, due to injury.
On defense, Michigan’s strength lies in its ability to limit opposing offenses, ranking 18th in scoring defense (21.2 points per game). The Wolverines are particularly effective against the run, where they rank 10th nationally. They’ve also shown a knack for getting to the quarterback, ranking 27th in sacks per game. However, Michigan will be without two key defensive players for this game: cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackle Mason Graham, who have both opted out.
Conclusion
The ReliaQuest Bowl offers a fascinating matchup between two powerhouse programs that are looking to finish their seasons on a positive note. Michigan will need to rely on their defensive strength and hope that their offense can step up, but Alabama’s depth, experience, and balanced attack should see them through to victory. This bowl game will be a statement for both programs as they aim to build momentum heading into the offseason.
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