3 days ago3 min read

Alabama Gets Rematch Against Wolverines in ReliaQuest Bowl

Wolverines' JJ McCarthy — Photo by Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK

The No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) face off against the Michigan Wolverines (7-5) in the ReliaQuest Bowl at noon EST in Tampa, Fla. These two teams will have last faced off 364 days prior in the College Football Playoff on New Year's Day in the Rose Bowl as the Wolverines defeated the Tide, 27-20 in overtime. Many have argued that Alabama deserved to make it in to the first ever 12-team playoff this season. However, the College Football Committee opted to have the Atlantic Coast Conference's Clemson and SMU in the playoff instead. Alabama was the first team out due to the conference championship rules.

What's at Stake

For these two teams, they both had down years compared to the usual success they are used to having. For Alabama, they are in the first year of the Kalen DeBoer Era. While most programs in the country would love to have an 9-3 record, the Tide and its fans were expecting a playoff run this season. Instead, they will have to settle for potentially a 10-win season.

For Michigan, they accomplished the highest feat possible a year ago and won the National Championship after wins against Alabama and then Washington in the title game. With most of the team moving on to the NFL as well as head coach Jim Harbaugh moving to Los Angeles to become the head coach of the Chargers, there was a lot of turnover for the Wolverines.

With a win, either team could end on a high note for the 2024 season. Alabama could get to 10 wins, while the Wolverines could get another major upset as they already beat their arch-rival in the Ohio State Buckeyes this season.

Key Players: Alabama Crimson Tide

While the Crimson Tide will have a total of nine Transfer Portal/opt-outs, star quarterback Jalen Milroe is not one of them. He will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl alongside freshman wideout Ryan Williams and running back Jam Miller. All three players will look to get the Crimson Tide to 10 wins and a win over their. Big Ten Conference foe.

Alabama's Ryan Williams — Photo by Jake Crandall/Advertiser-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Most of their transfers come on the defensive side of the ball. Some notable transfers include defensive lineman Damon Payne, defensive back Jahlil Hurley, defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe and EDGE Keanu Kokt. Running back Justice Haynes and receiver Kobe Prentice are also in the Transfer Portal.

Key Players: Michigan Wolverines

While Alabama has very few opt-outs, the Wolverines' leaders in most stats are all opting out. This includes the two running backs Donavan Edwards and Kalel Mullings. It also includes the top receiver, Tyler Morris, and the top tight end, Colston Loveland. It includes five members of the offensive line. The Wolverines were already playing the quarterback carousel game as Davis Warren only had 197 attempts throughout

the entire season. However, it looks like it will be every position now.

This also true of the defense. Star players like defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are all opting out of the game for what will be presumably the NFL Draft. A handful of others are opting out due to the fact that they are transferring.