Alabama vs. Michigan game prediction, pick, ReliaQuest Bowl odds, spread, where to watch, TV channel

No. 11 Alabama faces off against Michigan in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl, which serves as a rematch of the 2024 Rose Bowl Game. When these teams last played, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy diced Alabama to the tune of 221 yards and three touchdowns to win 27-20 in overtime en route to a national championship.

Both teams are quite different than a year ago, however. Alabama was the first team out of the College Football Playoff after losing three games in the regular season for the first time since 2010. Michigan’s 7-5 record was the worst non-pandemic season since 2014, the year before Jim Harbaugh arrived. However, both teams hope to use this as a springboard into a promising 2025. 

Despite being two of the biggest brands in college football history, the teams have only played six times in history with five matchups coming in bowl games. The programs are tied at 3-3 since they first played in the 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl. Four of the five bowl games were decided by one score. 

Alabama vs. Michigan: Need to know

Rematch: The last time these two historic brands played, Michigan outdueled Alabama in overtime to reach the national championship game. Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe had the ball in his hands on the last play of the game but slipped while pressured to send Alabama home in the semifinals. While this matchup will not have national implications, Milroe has a chance to potentially finish off his career on a much brighter note against the same team. 

Battle of attrition: Despite producing a number of NFL Draft picks, Alabama in recent years has lost surprisingly few players for bowl games. In fact, former top-three picks Bryce Young and Will Anderson both played in the Sugar Bowl after missing the CFP in 2022. However, multiple Michigan…


Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/alabama-vs-michigan-game-prediction-pick-reliaquest-bowl-odds-spread-where-to-watch-tv-channel/

Author : Shehan Jeyarajah

Publish date : 2024-12-30 18:37:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Check Also

Still haunted by ‘nightmares,’ Ohio State, Will Howard ready for second crack at Oregon in Rose Bowl rematch

LOS ANGELES — Will Howard sat, helmeted head in his hands, having slid to a …