Alabama vs. Michigan – What to know about the ReliaQuest Bowl

It’s always a big deal anytime Alabama and Michigan meet on the football field, with both programs ranking among the top three in college football history when it comes to total wins. These two teams will meet for the third time in the last five years and while the stakes aren’t as high this time as they were in the previous meeting, there’s always much intrigue when the Crimson Tide and the Wolverines face off.

Here’s everything you need to know about this New Year’s Eve showdown between two of college football’s blue blood programs.

When + Where to Watch

• When: Tuesday, January 31, 11 a.m. Central
• Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
• TV: ESPN

What’s at stake?

Alabama fans are largely disappointed with the 2024 season after the Crimson Tide failed to make it to the playoffs but they can end the season on a positive note with a victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl. A win would bring Alabama to 10-3 on the season making this the 17th consecutive 10-win season for the Crimson Tide, extending their record for the longest streak of 10-win seasons in college football history.

Head coach Sherrone Moore’s first season at Michigan has been a mixed bag as well, though the Wolverines finished the regular season with a stunning upset win over over rival Ohio State. A win would give Michigan a winning record for the season and send the program out with huge positive momentum heading into next season.

Who is sitting out?

Both Michigan and Alabama will be without several key players in this game due to a combination of injuries, transfers, and some players simply opting out of playing in the game as they prepare for the NFL Draft. Here’s a list of some of the key players for each team who won’t be available in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Michigan

• Donovan Edwards – This senior running back was a leader for the offense but has opted to sit out for the bowl game.
• Kalel Mullings – The Wolverines’ leading rusher with nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the season will join his teammate Edwards in opting out of the bowl game and entering the NFL Draft.
• Mason Graham – Graham is one of several starting defensive linemen who will be opting out of the bowl game for Michigan.

Alabama

• Malachi Moore – One of the leaders of Alabama’s defense, this senior defensive back will miss the bowl game due to a surgery that took place following the Iron Bowl.
• Kendrick Law – One of three wide receivers who announced plans to transfer, Law is headed to fellow SEC school Kentucky after a season in which he struggled with injuries but showed strong potential as a playmaker.
• Justice Haynes – The Crimson Tide’s second-string running back played a key role all season but will be sitting out after having decided to transfer to Michigan.

Series History

The all-time series between Alabama and Michigan is tied at 3 wins a piece for each team. The series includes some classic and historically significant games including:

• 1997 Outback Bowl – Alabama defeated Michigan 17-14 in the game that would eventually become the ReliaQuest Bowl. The game was the final game coached by legendary Alabama head coach Gene Stallings.
• 1999 Orange Bowl – Played on January 1, 2000, Michigan narrowly defeated Alabama 35-34 thanks to a strong performance by a little-known quarterback by the name of Tom Brady.
• 2023 Rose Bowl – The last meeting between these two teams was just one year ago, an overtime thriller in the College Football Playoff Semifinals that wound up being the last game of Nick Saban’s legendary career and propelled Michigan to a national championship.

Follow all our coverage of Alabama football and other big sports events from around the state at The Bama Buzz.