New year, new teams, but a familiar matchup awaits as Michigan and Alabama face off in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Today, we look at how Pro Football Focus (PFF) stacks up these two teams ahead of the game:
New year, new teams, but a familiar matchup awaits as Michigan and Alabama face off in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve — a rematch of last season’s Rose Bowl .
As is usually the case, Pro Football Focus (PFF) is HIGH on Alabama. The Crimson Tide rank as the nation’s 14th highest-graded team with a 91.8 overall, thanks to a strong run game (90.5, 15th in FBS) and an elite defense (92.2, 9th overall). Their 93.6 run defense grade is especially noteworthy, ranking seventh nationally.
It’s almost certainly a given both teams will be missing a handful of their top stars, which is just the reality of non-playoff bowl games these days. That makes predicting this one a bit of a guessing game, but with some insight from PFF, we’ll take our best shot at breaking down this contest.
Five highest-graded players on offense for Alabama
QB Jalen Milroe – 90.1
WR Germie Bernard – 79.7
RB Jamarion Miller – 75.7
RB Justice Haynes – 75.4
OL Kadyn Proctor – 75.2
Alabama’s offensive firepower starts with Milroe, whose mobility has been a game-changing element all season. He ranks 15th among FBS quarterbacks with an impressive 83.1 rushing grade, and Michigan fans will remember his ability to extend plays from last year’s Rose Bowl, where he carried the ball 21 times for 63 yards.
In the backfield, Alabama boasts a one-two punch with Jam Miller and Justice Haynes. Miller is expected to see the majority of snaps, but Haynes has been a more-than-capable change-of-pace back as well. Averaging 5.7 yards per carry this season with an 80.7 rush grade, Haynes adds a dynamic element to Alabama’s run-first approach. Together, Milroe, Miller and Haynes form a dangerous trio capable of testing Michigan’s rush defense.
Five highest-graded players on defense for Michigan
Edge Josaiah Stewart – 91.6
DL Mason Graham – 90.6
DL Kenneth Grant – 83.0
DL Rayshaun Benny – 81.7
Edge TJ Guy – 75.7
The uncertainty surrounding the participation of Michigan’s dominant defensive trio — Graham, Grant, Stewart — adds an intriguing layer to the Wolverines’ matchup against Alabama. After capping off their Michigan careers with a statement win over Ohio State , these elite defenders have little left to prove, and as highly-touted NFL prospects, opting out to prepare for the next level would be understandable.
However, their absence could open the door for the next wave of Michigan defenders to shine, particularly Benny and Guy. Benny, who earned an 81.7 overall grade this season, also boasts an exceptional 84.8 run defense grade, ranking him fourth on the team. Meanwhile, Guy contributed significantly to the pass rush rotation, posting a solid 79.2 grade in that same category.
For both of them, this game represents a prime opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage and solidify their place as key contributors to next year’s success.
Five highest-graded players on defense for Alabama
S Bray Hubbard – 89.8
LB Quandarrius Robinson* – 86.1
S Malachi Moore – 86.0
DL Tim Keenan III – 84.1
DL LT Overton – 80.6
Alabama’s safety duo of Bray Hubbard and Malachi Moore has been a driving force for the Crimson Tide’s defense this season, with both players delivering standout performances. Hubbard, who stepped into the starting role following a season-ending foot injury to former Michigan safety Keon Sabb, has been a revelation in the secondary.
Bray’s coverage grade of 89.7 ranks him 10th among all safeties in FBS, a testament to his ability to limit big plays and create turnovers. Complementing Hubbard’s production is Moore, who has also excelled in coverage by ranking 14th nationally with an 89.5 grade. Together, they form one of the most formidable safety tandems in college football, giving Alabama’s defense a crucial edge against the Michigan passing game.
Five highest-graded players on offense for Michigan
RB Kalel Mullings – 85.2
TE Colston Loveland* – 83.4
RB Donovan Edwards – 72.5
OL Myles Hinton – 71.1
OL Giovanni El-Hadi – 69.4
Michigan’s offense faces its own share of uncertainty ahead of the Alabama matchup, as several key contributors could be absent. Loveland, who missed the Wolverines’ victory over Ohio State, remains a question mark, while Mullings and Edwards have both accepted invitations to the Reese’s Senior Bowl , leaving their participation in doubtful status.
Should all three opt out, the stage would be set for players like quarterback Davis Warren and tight end Hogan Hansen to make their mark. Warren, who ranked seventh on the offense this season with a 68.9 overall grade, and Hansen, a promising freshman who posted a 67.0, have the chance to prove themselves on a big stage.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s offensive line — anchored by standout performances from Hinton and El-Hadi — could shine once again. The unit has played some of its best football as of late and could undoubtedly provide the edge Michigan needs against a legitimate opponent like Alabama.