Taking a brief look at Alabama, Michigan’s opponent in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl

Michigan’s opponent for the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl has been revealed, and the Wolverines will be taking on Alabama for the second time this calendar year. Here’s a brief look at the Crimson Tide:

One of the most memorable moments in Michigan’s storied football history was on Jan. 1, 2024, when the Wolverines defeated Alabama in overtime to advance to the National Championship. Now, the two sides will square off almost exactly one year later in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024.

Neither one of these teams looks the same as it did in last season’s Rose Bowl , with plenty of roster and coaching staff turnover on each side. With that being said, let’s take a brief look at the Crimson Tide and how they’ve fared this fall.

Fast Facts

Head Coach: Kalen DeBoer (1st Season)

Record: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)

Key Results: 41-34 win over Georgia, 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt, 27-25 win over South Carolina, 24-17 loss to Tennessee, 42-13 win over LSU , 24-3 loss to Oklahoma

Statistical Leaders

Passing: Jalen Milroe – 2,652 yards, 65.9% completion, 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions

Rushing: Jalen Milroe – 719 yards, 152 attempts, 20 touchdowns

Receiving: Ryan Williams – 857 yards, 45 receptions, 8 touchdowns

Defending: Jihaad Campbell – 108 total tackles, 5 sacks

2024 In Review

It’s been the start of a new era for Alabama in 2024, as Kalen DeBoer took over for the legendary Nick Saban shortly after leading Washington to the National Championship. Things haven’t necessarily gone as expected in year one for DeBoer, as a record of 9-3 can certainly be considered a “down year” by Alabama standards. The Crimson Tide were just on the edge of the playoff, but ultimately missed out.

At times in 2024, Alabama looked like the best team in college football, like its instant classic win over Georgia back in September, or when it dominated LSU in Death Valley to the tune of a 42-13 final score. However, Alabama has had some real stinkers this season, too, such as upset losses at Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.

There was plenty of turnover on Alabama’s roster this offseason, as 31 players left via the transfer portal. However, 14 players were brought in, including former Michigan safety Keon Sabb.

Alabama’s offense is led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, who fans might remember was stuffed at the goal line to end Michigan’s Rose Bowl victory. The most exciting player the Tide have on offense though is 17-year old true freshman Ryan Williams. He might already be the best receiver in college football and has amassed over 800 receiving yards this year. He absolutely took over in Alabama’s win against Georgia with 177 yards on six receptions, including this insane touchdown.

Defensively, the Crimson Tide are allowing 18.2 points per game, which ranks No. 10 in the country. However, the Tide are a bit susceptible to the run, allowing 146.8 yards per game, which ranks No. 60 in the country and bodes well for Michigan. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell is the best player for Alabama on defense, but linebacker Deontae Lawson, and defensive backs Domani Jackson (remember him?) and Malachi Moore are names to watch as well.