ReliaQuest Bowl Preview: Alabama vs. Michigan
As the 2024-2025 college football season culminates with the ReliaQuest Bowl, both Alabama and Michigan are facing roster challenges due to injuries, transfers, and opt-outs. However, these teams still have plenty of talent to showcase, and the bowl game offers several players the chance to step up and secure significant roles for the upcoming seasons.
Alabama’s Challenges:
- Roster Depletions:
- Alabama is expected to have around 65 scholarship players available for the bowl game, which is a bit thin considering the number of injuries and opt-outs they are dealing with. While Michigan has a similar issue, Alabama’s injury situation seems to have a more profound impact.
- Malachi Moore, the veteran Alabama safety, will not be playing due to a previously delayed surgery. This leaves a gap in the secondary, with Zay Mincey and Jaylen Mbakwe as potential replacements at safety. Interestingly, Mbakwe, who had been playing defense, might also see action at wide receiver, which adds another wrinkle to his future role at Alabama. This is especially crucial for Alabama, as they only have four healthy scholarship wide receivers for the bowl game due to injuries to Jalen Hale, Cole Adams, Amari Jefferson, and Bubba Hampton.
- Injuries and Transfers:
- Alabama’s wide receiver group is especially thin, and the lack of experienced players at the position is a notable concern. While the Crimson Tide is still stacked with talent, the lack of depth in certain areas, especially wide receiver and secondary, may make them vulnerable against Michigan.
- Defensive backfield issues: Along with Moore’s absence, Deonate Lawson, Keon Sabb, Que Robinson, and several other players who have either transferred or are recovering from injuries (e.g., Cole Adams, DeVonta Smith) will not be available for the bowl game. This could potentially expose Alabama’s defense, especially with a talented Michigan offense.
- Next Steps and Opportunities:
- Despite the roster challenges, Alabama’s coaching staff will be looking to some backup players to step into significant roles. Players like Zay Mincey, Jaylen Mbakwe, and Bray Hubbard will need to perform well in their expanded roles to maintain Alabama’s competitive edge heading into 2025.
- The bowl game offers these younger and less experienced players a chance to prove themselves and push for starting roles in the 2025 season, which could be critical for Alabama’s continued success.
Michigan’s Challenges:
- Key Opt-Outs:
- Michigan is also dealing with several key players opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl in preparation for the NFL Draft. These opt-outs include running back Donovan Edwards, cornerback Will Johnson, tight end Colston Loveland, and defensive lineman Mason Graham. These players are highly rated NFL prospects, and their absence leaves significant holes in Michigan’s starting lineup.
- The opt-out situation for Michigan could put more pressure on the backups to step in and make an impact, similar to what Alabama is facing with their injured and absent players. Players like Marlon Klein, a reserve tight end, will need to rise to the occasion and prove they can be reliable contributors.
- Players Stepping Up:
- Marlon Klein, who is expected to start in place of Loveland, expressed optimism about the opportunity the bowl game presents, not only for himself but for several other teammates. The bowl game provides a stage for players who have not had the chance to showcase their abilities during the regular season. Klein sees this as a “springboard” into spring ball and next season, providing a critical chance for players to make an impression and potentially earn starting roles in 2025.
- With several key players sitting out, Michigan’s depth will be tested, especially on defense and at skill positions.
Key Players and Position Battles:
- Alabama’s Secondary:
- With Malachi Moore out, Alabama’s safety position will be crucial in determining the success of the defense. Zay Mincey and Jaylen Mbakwe (who may play on both offense and defense) will need to step up significantly in their new roles. Kam Howard and King Mack may also be involved in providing depth at safety, but experience at this position could be a major challenge for the Crimson Tide.
- Michigan’s Offense:
- Marlon Klein, starting in place of Colston Loveland, will play an important role in Michigan’s offense. Klein will need to replicate the production that Loveland provided in the passing game, while also stepping up as a blocker in the running game. His performance could have long-term ramifications on his role with the team.
- Michigan’s offense will also need to adjust without Donovan Edwards, one of their top playmakers in the backfield. It will be important to see which backup running backs get the nod to replace Edwards and how they perform against Alabama’s defense.
Conclusion:
The ReliaQuest Bowl will be a battle of attrition, with both Alabama and Michigan facing depleted rosters due to injuries, opt-outs, and transfers. Despite these challenges, both teams will look to backup players and young talent to seize the moment and prove themselves for the future. For Alabama, the biggest challenges will come in the secondary and wide receiver positions, while Michigan will have to contend with missing key offensive and defensive players.
This bowl game will likely provide an opportunity for lesser-known players to make a name for themselves, and it could serve as a preview of the potential stars for 2025. Even with depleted rosters, both programs still possess the depth and coaching ability to put up a competitive game. The outcome may hinge on which team’s backups can step up and handle the increased responsibility.