In the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31, 2024, the Michigan Wolverines upset the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide with a 19-13 victory, capitalizing on Alabama’s early mistakes.
Alabama’s troubles began in the first quarter, where they committed three turnovers. Michigan took advantage of these errors, building a 16-0 lead. Freshman running back Jordan Marshall, stepping in due to opt-outs, rushed for 100 yards and was named the game’s MVP. Kicker Dominic Zvada contributed significantly by making four field goals.
Alabama’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe, had a challenging game, completing 16 of 32 passes for 192 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was also limited to just 7 rushing yards on 16 attempts, reflecting Michigan’s effective defensive strategy.
This loss ended Alabama’s season on a disappointing note, snapping their 16-year streak of achieving at least 10 wins per season.
The defeat also reignited discussions about Alabama’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff, with some analysts suggesting that the loss validated the decision to leave them out.
In summary, Alabama’s early turnovers and inability to overcome Michigan’s opportunistic play led to their 19-13 loss in the ReliaQuest Bowl, concluding their season with a 9-4 record.