The 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl, scheduled for December 31 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, features a matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines. Alabama, with a 9-3 record, narrowly missed inclusion in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, being ranked 11th nationally. Michigan, concluding the season at 7-5, has faced significant roster challenges due to player departures.
Alabama Crimson Tide:
Season Overview: Alabama finished the regular season with a 9-3 record, securing the 11th spot in national rankings. Despite their strong performance, they were excluded from the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, as lower-ranked conference champions received automatic bids, effectively placing Alabama at 13th in the seeding.
Key Player Status: All-SEC defensive back Malachi Moore is expected to miss the bowl game due to injury, potentially impacting Alabama’s defensive lineup.
Michigan Wolverines:
Season Overview: Under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan achieved a 7-5 record. The team experienced a mid-season slump but concluded with a notable 13-10 upset against No. 2 Ohio State, marking their fourth consecutive victory over their rivals.
Coaching Changes: Post-regular season, offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell was dismissed. Tight ends coach Steve Casula has assumed the role of interim offensive coordinator for the bowl game.
Player Opt-Outs: Several key players have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and will not participate in the bowl game, including All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, and tight end Colston Loveland. Additional opt-outs encompass Donovan Edwards, Kalel Mullings, Josaiah Stewart, Makari Paige, Tyler Morris, and Myles Hinton. Consequently, Michigan will field a lineup devoid of returning starters from their previous encounter with Alabama in the 2024 Rose Bowl.
Game Outlook:
Betting Odds: Alabama enters the game as a 12.5-point favorite, with an over/under set at 43.5 points, indicating expectations of a lower-scoring affair, potentially due to Michigan’s offensive challenges and defensive absences.
Analyst Predictions: Consensus among sports analysts, including all six members of the USA TODAY Sports panel and ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, favors an Alabama victory, citing their robust roster and Michigan’s depleted lineup.
Broadcast Information:
Network: The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Commentary Team: The broadcast team includes play-by-play commentator Dave Flemming, analyst Brock Osweiler, and sideline reporter Stormy Buonantony, all bringing extensive experience to enhance the viewing experience.
Despite Alabama’s favored status, the game presents an opportunity for Michigan’s emerging talents to showcase their abilities on a prominent stage. The matchup is anticipated to be a compelling conclusion to the 2024 college football season for both programs.
For a more in-depth analysis, you might find the following preview insightful: