The Michigan Wolverines concluded 2024 with a resounding victory over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, mirroring their triumph over the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl at the start of the year. This New Year’s Eve win at Raymond James Stadium capped off a three-game winning streak for Michigan, which also included a significant victory against their arch-rival, Ohio State. The 19-13 scoreline against Alabama marked a historic feat for the Wolverines, as they became the first college football program to defeat the Crimson Tide twice within the same calendar year, solidifying their dominance over a traditional powerhouse. This victory also served as a sweet reminder of their previous New Year’s Day win, where they overcame Alabama in overtime to secure a spot in the national championship game, ultimately claiming the title under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy before their departure to the NFL.
The ReliaQuest Bowl victory was a testament to Michigan’s robust defense, orchestrated by former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. The Wolverines’ defensive unit effectively neutralized Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, consistently pressuring him throughout the game. Their relentless pursuit resulted in five sacks and three forced turnovers, crippling Alabama’s offensive momentum and significantly contributing to Michigan’s win. While Dominic Zvada’s four field goals and Davis Warren’s touchdown pass to Fredrick Moore provided crucial offensive points, it was the stifling defensive performance that ultimately sealed the victory and underscored Michigan’s strength on that side of the ball.
On the other hand, 2024 proved to be a challenging year for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, who had previously led Washington to the College Football Playoff final. The Crimson Tide’s exclusion from the expanded 12-team CFP field added to their disappointment, making the ReliaQuest Bowl a crucial opportunity to salvage their season. Despite entering the game as favorites, Alabama’s offense struggled to find its rhythm against Michigan’s formidable defense. Jalen Milroe, facing constant pressure, couldn’t replicate his usual performance and struggled to connect with his receivers, culminating in a disappointing end to their season.
Alabama’s final drive, with the potential to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, epitomized their struggles. Facing a fourth-and-10 situation in the red zone, Milroe was unable to convert, effectively ending Alabama’s hopes of a comeback. His final stat line reflected a challenging game: 16 completions out of 32 attempts for 192 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception. This final, unsuccessful drive underscored the effectiveness of Michigan’s defensive strategy, which consistently disrupted Alabama’s offensive rhythm and prevented them from capitalizing on crucial opportunities.
The contrast between the two teams’ performances highlighted the evolving landscape of college football. Michigan’s back-to-back victories against Alabama signaled their rise as a dominant force, while Alabama’s struggles underscored the challenges even elite programs face in maintaining consistent success. This year’s ReliaQuest Bowl served as a microcosm of this dynamic, with Michigan’s strategic dominance on defense ultimately deciding the outcome. Their ability to neutralize Alabama’s offensive threats while capitalizing on scoring opportunities, albeit limited, proved to be the winning formula.
In conclusion, Michigan’s ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Alabama served as a fitting bookend to their successful 2024 campaign. It not only underscored their consistent performance throughout the year but also solidified their position as a program capable of challenging established powerhouses like Alabama. This victory, combined with their earlier Rose Bowl triumph and subsequent national championship, paints a picture of a team on the rise, ready to contend for national titles in the years to come. For Alabama, the loss served as a harsh reminder of the competitive nature of college football and the need for constant evolution to remain at the top. The challenge for Alabama in the seasons to come will be to regroup, reassess, and re-establish themselves as the dominant force they have been for so long.
