Alabama football will face a familiar opponent before the 2024 season concludes.
Alabama will play Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, nearly a year after the Crimson Tide faced the Wolverines in the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl, and less than a year after then-Washington coach Kalen DeBoer lost to the Wolverines in the CFP national championship game.
However, the Michigan team that Alabama will face on December 31 will not be the same one that defeated the Crimson Tide a year earlier.
The Wolverines concluded their regular season with a 7-5 record, dropping to Texas, Washington, Illinois, Oregon and Indiana before beating Ohio State in their last game.
Alabama faces Michigan at 11 a.m. CT on December 31 from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
What should Crimson Tide fans know about Michigan? Here are three things to keep in mind as Alabama prepares for its game against Michigan.
Michigan football has its share of opt outs for ReliaQuest Bowl
Michigan will look much different than the team that beat Ohio State just a month ago.
Many Michigan players have decided not to participate in the ReliaQuest Bowl following the Wolverines’ 13-10 road victory over the Buckeyes on November 30. Other players who have left include All-American cornerback Will Johnson, running back Donovan Edwards, defensive tackle Mason Graham, tight end Colston Loveland, and offensive lineman Myles Hinton.
Graham, Johnson, and Loveland are all projected to be first-round picks in the latest NFL mock draft from ESPN.
Alabama does not expect any opt-outs for the ReliaQuest Bowl other than those who have entered the transfer portal. With quarterback Jalen Milroe, offensive lineman Tyler Booker, and linebacker Jihaad Campbell all slated to play, the Crimson Tide are 10.5-point favorites, according to BetMGM.
Michigan has one of the worst passing offenses in college football
Michigan’s passing offense has been among the worst in college football.
The Wolverines average 133.6 passing yards per game, which ranks fifth in the FBS after Iowa, Navy, Air Force, and Army. Michigan quarterbacks have thrown 11 touchdowns, tied for ninth-fewest in NCAA football (with Florida State, Central Michigan, Louisiana Monroe, and Wyoming), and 12 interceptions.
Davis Warren, who has 1,126 passing yards, six touchdowns, and nine interceptions, has been Michigan’s starter for most of the season. Alex Orgi and Jack Tuttle both started for the Wolverines in 2024.
Michigan’s offense averages 22.3 points per game, which ranks fifth lowest in the Big Ten.
Michigan has one of the best run defenses in college football
While Michigan’s passing attack is one of the worst in the country, the Wolverines are one of the best in college football when it comes to run defense.
Michigan is one of five FBS defenses that allow less than 100 yards per game, with opponents averaging 92.6 rushing yards.
Opponents’ run games average 3.1 yards per carry against the Wolverines, who have allowed just 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Oregon had four of those and was the last team to score a rushing touchdown against Michigan on November 2.
Tennessee’s run defense was the best Alabama saw in 2024, allowing 103.7 running yards per game. The Crimson Tide had 75 rushing yards and one touchdown on 34 carries against the Vols.
