Handing out game balls after Michigan’s upset victory over Alabama

Michigan upset Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl despite several starters opting out and being a huge underdog. Here’s who made the biggest impact in the game and will take home a game ball for their efforts:

It wasn’t pretty, but Michigan scratched and clawed its way to an upset victory over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, winning by a final score of 19-13.

Here are the guys we believe stood out the most in the victory and deserve a game ball for their efforts.

Sherrone Moore

Really, this could go to the entire coaching staff because Michigan came prepared to play. Say what you want about bowl games in the modern era of college football, but they’re a good litmus test for the buy-in level of a program. After a lackluster season and with several key contributors opting out, it would’ve been an easy spot for Michigan to no-show, but it was just the opposite in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Michigan’s defense especially came to play in the early going. The defensive line was swarming and made life difficult for Jalen Milroe in the first quarter — even forcing three turnovers. Even combatting an injury to Davis Warren and a late surge from Alabama, the Wolverines held on for the victory against a heavily favored team.

Fred Moore and Jordan Marshall

Michigan will need contributors on offense next year, no question about it. Tuesday’s game marked a good opportunity for some younger guys to make a good impression, and wide receiver Fred Moore did just that, serving as Michigan’s leading pass-catcher with 37 yards on three receptions. He also scored a touchdown in the first quarter. He’ll be vying for a spot in the receiver rotation next year and did an excellent job with an increased role against the Tide.

Additionally, running back Jordan Marshall got his first start in this game. He figures to form a one-two punch with Justice Haynes next season, so Michigan needed to get a good look at what it has in Marshall. He carried the load, going for 100 yards on 23 carries. He also withstood some big hits from Alabama’s defense and showed some strength to churn out extra yards. He’ll be fun to watch in 2025.

Derrick Moore

Edge rusher Derrick Moore loves playing against Alabama. He recorded a sack in last season’s Rose Bowl against the Tide, and recorded his first career multi-sack game in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He finished with four tackles, including two for a loss and two sacks. He set the tone for Michigan’s defensive line, which was a force pretty much all afternoon.

We shouldn’t overreact to one game, but it’s pretty clear Moore has a chance to be the best defensive player for Michigan next year. We saw how big a difference Josaiah Stewart made by taking a leap after 2023, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Moore do the same. Hopefully he lives up to the expectations and leads the way for what could once again be one of the Big Ten’s best defenses.

Dominic Zvada

Offensive struggle? Yes indeed, and kicker Dominic Zvada was called upon once again to help put points on the board for the Wolverines. He was responsible for 16 of Michigan’s 19 points thanks to four field goals and an extra point. He came up clutch in the fourth quarter as well to give Michigan a two-possession lead with a 37-yard field goal.

As was the theme for much of the year, Zvada came through when the offense was unable to pick up the slack in opposing territory. The offense only managed one touchdown the entire game despite being set up with several short fields. But even when set up with short fields, Zvada was there to make something out of nothing, even making three field goals in monsoon-like conditions.

He’ll be back for another year in 2025, but hopefully he won’t be relied on so much.