Tampa, FL.- The stage is set! Following an electric “Selection Sunday” slate, it was announced that the defending National Champion Michigan Wolverines would face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl.
Alabama (9-3), the “first team out” of the 2024 College Football Playoff Bracket was immediately contacted by numerous prestigious Bowl Games across the country, before ultimately selecting the ReliaQuest Bowl. As for the former National Champs, Michigan ended the season 7-5 on the highest note possible, by defeating rival Ohio State in a 13-10 thriller. This is the first time these perennial powerhouses have faced off since the previous Rose Bowl, where Michigan defeated Alabama 27-20 in a game that would go down to the wire in Overtime.
With that being said, let’s break down our contenders and meet the teams ahead of this thrilling matchup:
Alabama:
The first year of the Kalen DeBoer era of Alabama football should be widely considered a huge success. Offensively, the Tide’s star QB Jalen Milroe was must watch football, totaling over 3,300 All Purpose yards and 35 Total Touchdowns. Milroe was both the team’s leading passer and rusher this season, with his top target being the 17 year old phenom wide receiver, Ryan Williams. Williams’ energetic charisma and elite play captivated the hearts of the nation, dominating the SEC while other football players his age are sitting in their respective Algebra classes right now. Ryan Williams ended the regular season with 45 catches for 857 yards and 8 TD’s, with his best night coming on primetime TV against Georgia. During the Tide’s 41-34 shootout against the ‘Dawgs, Ryan Williams recorded 6 catches for 177 yards and 1 game winning score.
Defensively for Alabama, linebacker Jihaad Campbell stole the show, totaling 108 Total Tackles, 5 Sacks, 2 PBU’s, 1 Interception, 2 Forced Fumbles and 1 Fumble Recovery. Campbell was flying all over the field, and will surely receive future All-SEC Honors.
Michigan:
The Wolverines had a rockier start to the Sherrone Moore era of Michigan football than the would’ve liked to admit. Michigan struggled to find their identity under center this season, as Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle and Alex Orji all took snaps as QB1, with Warren being the primary signal caller. Davis Warren finished the season with just over 1,100 yards and 6 passing touchdowns. Michigan’s RB tandem backfield of Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards was the true feature piece of this offense. Mullings rushed for 948 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns, while Edwards came away with another 589 yards and 4 scores. In an offense full of young talent, veteran safety nets like TE Colston Loveland were more than appreciated. Loveland was the only Wolverines’ pass catcher with over 300 yards, recording 582 yards and 5 scores. Defensively, Ernest Hausmann led the way for the Wolverines, recording 82 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 Interception and 1 PBU.
The 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl will be hosted at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on December 31st. Kickoff is slated for 12:00 P.M.
Cover Photo Credits: Christian Proscia, Bleacher Brothers