TAMPA, Fla. — The anticipation is building for the New Year’s Eve clash between No. 11 Alabama and Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, even though the stakes are lower than during their last postseason encounter. The upcoming game at Raymond James Stadium marks a rematch of the previous year’s College Football Playoff semifinal, which was won by Michigan, who went on to claim the national championship.
While both teams have seen changes in key coaching roles, with Nick Saban and Jim Harbaugh stepping down, there’s still a wealth of talent on show. Kalen DeBoer, former coach at Washington, has taken over at Alabama following Saban’s retirement and is entering the concluding stages of his initial season with the team. Sherrone Moore stepped into Harbaugh’s role at Michigan after the latter transitioned to the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, facing a season filled with ups and downs in 2024.
Alabama, which finished with a 9-3 record, had hoped to be part of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff but was disappointed to be excluded. Meanwhile, Michigan ended with a 7-5 record in the Big Ten yet remains optimistic heading into the ReliaQuest Bowl, buoyed by a recent victory against their longstanding rival, Ohio State, who is also a participant in the CFP.
“Our players are hyped for the challenge against a strong opponent,” Moore expressed, reflecting on the game. “We’re eager to get started.” Despite the circumstances leading them to the ReliaQuest Bowl, neither team expected to conclude their season in this way. Nonetheless, both DeBoer and Moore are pleased to be competing in sunny Florida, aiming to cap off a season fraught with hurdles.
“Winning is the goal for every matchup,” DeBoer remarked. “Finishing on a high note is crucial for the team’s morale and future direction.” He highlighted the whirlwind journey over the past year but conveyed a sense of optimism about the team’s current mindset and the progress being made.
The forthcoming game signifies the seventh meeting between the storied football programs, with both Alabama and Michigan having secured three wins each in their previous encounters. This match also sees Michigan return for its seventh appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, an event that has undergone various name changes, previously known as the Hall of Fame Bowl and the Outback Bowl.
In a bid for their tenth victory of the season, Alabama will have Jalen Milroe at quarterback, seeking to extend an impressive record of achieving at least ten wins for 16 consecutive seasons. Offensive lineman Tyler Booker, recognized as an All-American, emphasized the significance of this milestone for the team. “We set many goals at the start of the season, and although we haven’t met most, getting to 10 wins is still within reach,” he stated.
Alabama faces the challenge of compensating for second-team All-America safety Malachi Moore, who has undergone surgery for an undisclosed injury, alongside the absence of Keon Sabb, another injured safety. Potential replacements for Moore include King Mack, Kameron Howard, and freshman Zavier Mincey.
In terms of receiving depth, injuries and transfers have left Alabama with only four healthy scholarship wide receivers. Among them are two seasoned starters, Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard. Redshirt freshman Jaren Hamilton has yet to make a catch in two seasons, while freshman Rico Scott has recorded four catches for 37 yards and a touchdown.
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