By Fenthon Aristhomene
Muck City Media Contributing Writer
TAMPA – On Dec. 31, the ReliaQuest Bowl will feature a marquee matchup between the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines – the reigning national champions – at Raymond James Stadium.
Alabama enters the bowl game with a 9-3 record and just barely missed the new 12-team College Football Playoff under new head coach Kalen Doboer. Dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe will lead Alabama’s offense, which boasts a balanced attack with a strong running game complemented by a dynamic receiving corps. Freshman receiver Ryan Williams has emerged as a star player for the Tide and is set to play a big role in this matchup.
Defensively, the Crimson Tide will be without All-American safety Malachi Moore, who is set to undergo surgery and will miss the game. The defense, despite Moore’s absence, remains robust, with young stars expected to fill the gap in the secondary.
On the other hand, Michigan concluded the regular season with a 7-5 record. Even while facing challenges that included the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL and losing 13 key starters to the draft – some being quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, defensive back Mike Sainristil and linebacker Junior Colson – the Wolverines still managed to finish the season above .500 with a big win over rival Ohio State.
To finish out the season, the Wolverines will also be without several key players who have opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft, including running back Donovan Edwards, star defensive tackle Mason Graham, tight end Colston Loveland, and cornerback Will Johnson.
In their absence, Michigan will expect emerging talents to step up.
The Wolverines offensive line, though experiencing turnover, will be crucial in providing stability against a solid Alabama defense. They are looking to end 2024 with a win and go into the new year with some momentum.
This matchup will mark the first meeting between these storied programs since the 2024 Rose Bowl, where Michigan secured a 27-20 overtime victory on their way to a national championship. Both teams have undergone significant changes since then, as this will set the stage for an intriguing contest.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. on ESPN. With both teams eager to conclude the year with a victory, the ReliaQuest Bowl promises to deliver an exciting and competitive game.
PHOTO CREDITS: WTVY
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