Michigan beats Alabama in Tampa

December 31, 2024 – the Michigan Wolverines bested the Alabama Crimson Tide 19 to 13 in the Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Alabama had 3 turnovers in its first 10 offensive plays contributing to Michigan jumping out to a 16 to 0 lead in the first quarter.

Michigan was missing six defensive starters, including three defensive linemen, but they completely dominated the Tide in the first quarter and a half. Alabama's defense did a great job of limiting Michigan to field goals on most of those turnovers deep in Alabama territory or this would have been a blowout. The Tide defense held Michigan to just 141 yards of total offense in the first three quarters; but they simply didn't get nearly enough help from the Alabama offense.

Junior Quarterback Jalen Milroe threw a completion to tight end Robbie Oustz with 4:06 left in the half to give the Tide their only touchdown on the day.

On their next possession deep in their own territory on a third and one play Milroe had a 41-yard rush with thirty seconds left in the first half. Milroe then found wide receiver Jeremy Bernard at the five-yard line with 17 seconds left. Bama had two incomplete passes in the end zone before settling for a field goal with 4 seconds left in the half to cut the Michigan lead to 16 to 10 at half time.

The Tide offense appeared to have the momentum going into the half; but that did not carry over to the second half. Michigan held Alabama to one field goal late in the fourth quarter in the second half. The Tide defense held Michigan to just one field goal in the second half to keep the game close.

It appeared as though Alabama was going to steal the victory on their last possession. The Tide drive the ball all the way down to the 15 yard line of Michigan in the closing minute of the game. Milroe's pass on fourth down to a receiver in the end zone with 49 seconds to play was underthrown sealing the win for Michigan.

If this was Jalen Milroe's last game at Alabama it was a disappointment, in what otherwise had been a stellar career for the veteran QB. Milroe won the William Campbell Trophy for his academic prowess at Alabama. In four years at Alabama, Milroe earned his bachelor's degree in business management as well as a master's degree. He has another year of eligibility available; but most sources expect him to declare for this year's NFL draft

Michigan had won just 6 out of their first 11 games in what had been a forgettable year following last year's national championship; but the season closed with wins over Ohio State and Alabama for the Wolverines to finish the season with a respectable 8 and 5 record. This is the second year in a row that Michigan defeated Alabama in the post season.

It almost seems hard to believe that on October 1 this Alabama team had beaten Georgia, was 4 and 0, and the number one team in the country. Since then though the Tide has lost 4 of their last nine games. For Coach Kalen DeBoer his first year in Tuscaloosa was overshadowed by what might have been.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com