ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 11 Alabama (9-3) vs. Michigan (7-5), set for December 31 at 12 p.m. EST.

BetMGM College Football Odds: Alabama favored by 11.5 points.

**KEY MATCHUP**

Alabama boasts the 41st-ranked rushing offense in the FBS, managing an average of 182.7 yards per game. They will contest against Michigan’s formidable rushing defense, ranked third nationally, allowing only 92.6 yards on the ground per game.

On the other side, Michigan’s offense struggles, sitting at 111th in the FBS with an average of 22.3 points per game. They face the challenge of Alabama’s formidable defense, which ranks 10th in the nation by allowing just 17.3 points per game.

**LAST GAME**

In their most recent game, Alabama triumphed over Auburn with a score of 28-14. Quarterback Jalen Milroe had an impressive outing, throwing for 256 yards with an 18-of-24 completion rate (75.0%), though he didn’t throw any touchdowns and had one interception. He also shone in rushing with 17 carries yielding 104 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Jamarion Miller contributed with 28 carries for 84 yards, while wide receiver Germie Bernard caught seven passes for 111 yards.

Michigan pulled off a narrow victory against Ohio State, winning 13-10. Quarterback Davis Warren completed 9 of 16 passes for 62 yards, with no touchdowns but two interceptions. Kalel Mullings was the standout on the ground, rushing for 116 yards on 32 attempts with one touchdown. Peyton O’Leary added one catch for 18 yards.

**PLAYERS TO WATCH**

For Alabama, Jalen Milroe has thrown for a total of 2,652 yards, averaging 221 yards per game while completing 65.9% of his passes (189 for 287). His season total includes 15 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. On the ground, he has accumulated 719 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, ranking eighth in the country, averaging nearly 60 yards per game. Wide receiver Ryan Williams has made significant contributions as well, with 45 catches for 857 yards and eight touchdowns.

For Michigan, quarterback Davis Warren has accrued 1,126 passing yards, averaging 112.6 yards per game with a completion rate of 63.5% (125 for 197). His season stats include six touchdowns and nine interceptions. Kalel Mullings has had a strong season on the ground with 185 carries for 948 yards, scoring 12 touchdowns. Tight end Colston Loveland has also been a key player, with 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdown catches.

**FACTS & FIGURES**

Alabama has been outscoring its opponents by an average of 18.2 points this season, a stark contrast to Michigan’s more modest differential of 1.8 points per game. Alabama’s overall performance places them in the top 25 for both scoring offense, ranked 16th with an average of 35.5 points, and scoring defense, ranked 10th allowing 17.3 points per game.

On the defensive side, Michigan’s run defense has been particularly impressive, ranking third in the nation, yielding just 92.6 rushing yards per game. However, their offensive production has been less impressive, generating an average of 160.7 rushing yards per game, placing them at 70th nationally.