Bama Michigan 3 E1735673212884 — Alabama and Michigan battled through a rainy first half in Tampa. (University of Alabama Athletics / Facebook)

The stakes may not have been as high as they were when Alabama met Michigan back in January. But the ending was all-too-familiar for Tide fans.

The Crimson Tide fell just short of the end zone in the final minute, securing Michigan’s 19-13 win in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa.

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The loss in the bowl game did end Alabama’s streak of 16 straight seasons with at least 10 wins. That streak is an NCAA record.

Keep reading to learn more about Tuesday’s game + how Kalen DeBoer’s first season in Tuscaloosa stacks up against other coaches.

ReliaQuest Bowl

Bama Michigan 1 — Alabama’s defense kept the Tide in the game in the first half. (University of Alabama Athletics)

It was a disastrous start for the Crimson Tide’s offense. On its first 10 plays, Alabama accounted for:

3 turnovers
Turnover on downs
-11 yards

By the time the first quarter ended, Michigan had built a 16-0 lead. Alabama cut into that deficit to close the half but still trailed by six at the break.

Neither team scored in the third quarter but then both teams added a field goal in the fourth.

Jalen Milroe and the Crimson Tide had one more chance in the final two minutes, assisted by a long punt return from Ryan Williams. But the team’s final drive was halted inside the red zone, securing Michigan’s win.

In what could be his last game for Alabama, Jalen Milroe finished 16-of-32 through the air for 192 yards and a touchdown pass. He also threw an interception and fumbled twice.

Kalen DeBoer’s first season

Deboer Bowl — Kalen DeBoer at the ReliaQuest Bowl press conference. (University of Alabama Athletics)

It may have felt like a disappointing season for Alabama but not many coaches start their tenure the way Kalen DeBoer did.

He may not have reached double digits but DeBoer’s nine wins are the most for an Alabama coach in their first season since Frank Thomas went 9-1 in 1931. It’s the best winning percentage for a coach’s first season since the Tide went 8-3 under Red Drew in 1947.

The 9-4 record is two wins better than Nick Saban’s first season in Tuscaloosa in 2007.

What did you think about Alabama’s first season under Kalen DeBoer? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.