Michigan holds off Alabama in 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl as sloppy performance dooms Jalen Milroe, Crimson Tide

The Wolverines got the best of the Tide in the postseason for the second straight season

Michigan earned a huge 19-13 win against No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday. The shorthanded Wolverines, who were down several key players due to both opt outs and the transfer portal, led wire-to-wire after taking advantage of numerous Alabama mistakes in the first quarter. 

The Crimson Tide turned the ball over three times -- and had their first offensive drive end with a failed fourth-down conversion -- in the first 15 minutes. That means for its first four possessions Michigan's average starting position was Alabama's 21-yard line. The Wolverines took advantage, even if they left some points on the board. 

Three of Michigan's first four drives ended in a field goal from kicker Dominic Zvada, two of which came from 30 yards or less. Quarterback Davis Warren, who later exited the game with an apparent leg injury, did hit wide receiver Fredrick Moore for a 13-yard touchdown and Michigan left the first quarter with a 16-0 lead it never surrendered. 

Alabama had 2 total yards of offense until late in the second quarter when it went on two drives that covered a combined 161 yards and resulted in 10 points. It wasn't enough to spark a full comeback, however. 

The Crimson Tide actually had a chance to win it late in the fourth quarter. One possession after kicker Graham Nicholson hit a season-long 51-yard field goal which cut Michigan's lead to one possession, Alabama got the ball all the way to Michigan's 15-yard line. But on fourth-and-10, Milroe came under immediate pressure and threw an incomplete pass, which allowed Michigan to take possession and kneel the clock out on a momentum-building bowl victory. 

• Tuesday's result snaps a streak of 16 consecutive 10-plus win seasons for Alabama, which was the most in the FBS since 1936. 
• Michigan's 16 points in the first quarter are the most that Alabama allowed since 2022 against Tennessee. 
• Michigan had four drives start in Alabama territory in the first quarter. It crossed the 50-yard line just twice in the ensuing three quarters. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 3:41 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan's offense wasn't pretty, but it was enough 

That was a common theme for the Wolverines through 2024, especially in their last two wins against Ohio State and Alabama. Michigan didn't play a great game on offense. In fact, after the first quarter, it was largely ineffective. 

But it did do enough to put the game away. Michigan's shorthanded defense definitely deserves a ton of credit, as the Wolverines held Alabama scoreless for almost three entire quarters, which allowed the offense to sit on their early 16-0 lead. 

Michigan did employ a smart ball-control strategy to limit Alabama's possessions and, thus, its explosive potential on offense. The Wolverines gained just 32 yards in the third quarter, but they held onto the football for a whopping 10:52 seconds. That took the air out of Alabama's late first-half surge, when it scored 10 unanswered points to cut Michigan's lead to 16-10. 

Michigan won the time of possession battle by almost 17 minutes, with a lot of its advantage created in that third quarter. That kept the defense fresh and it limited Alabama's window to mount a comeback. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 3:33 pm ET · Will Backus]

Jordan Marshall is next for Michigan 

Michigan's modern run of success has been keyed, largely, by excellent running back play. The Wolverines have had star players like Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings lead their offense while gashing opposing defenses on the ground. 

They may have found the next great one in freshman running back Jordan Marshall. Marshall was thrust into a starting role after Mullings and Edwards opted out and he responded with a strong performance, especially after Michigan lost starting quarterback Davis Warren to injury.

Marshall carried the ball 23 times for 100 yards, averaging just over four yards per carry against a strong Alabama defense. He had a key 24-yard run early in the fourth quarter, bouncing off of Alabama defenders in the process, to set up Dominic Zvada's decisive 37-yard field goal. Not bad for a true freshman making his first career start. 

Marshall certainly provided Michigan fans with some optimism about the future of the Wolverines' offense, especially with players like five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood joining the fold moving forward.  

[Dec 31, 2024 at 3:25 pm ET · Will Backus]

Jalen Milroe disappoints in big spot 

Final: Michigan 19, No. 11 Alabama 13 

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe still has yet to make a decision on his future. Before Tuesday's bowl game, he was considered an intriguing NFL Draft prospect with plenty of untapped upside and physical traits that would make him a desirable option for front offices, likely in the middle rounds. 

Now his stock is up in the air. Milroe definitely had his moments in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He had one 41-yard run where he flashed his athleticism and weaved around Michigan defenders to set up Alabama's second scoring drive. He had nice throws of 25 yards to tight end Robbie Ouzts for Alabama's first touchdown of the game, and a deep 40-yard completion to wide receiver Germie Bernard near the end of the second quarter. 

But, overall, he was largely ineffective. He turned the ball over three times in the first quarter alone. One of those was on a botched snap, and the other was an interception after he mistimed a shallow out route. 

Milroe also had multiple misses on passes at every level of the field. His pocket awareness was concerning, as he struggled to sense pressure and often held onto the ball for too long. 

There's a good chance that Milroe still gets drafted if he declares, especially since he's one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in college football. His lackluster bowl performance left a sour last impression on scouts, though. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 3:07 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama will have a chance to win it

Or, at the very least, take a late lead. Michigan was gifted a first down thanks to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson, but the Wolverines weren't able to do much more with the free yardage. The Crimson Tide defense, which has been great all day, forced a punt that Alabama's Ryan Williams returned 38 yards to give his team possession on Alabama's 44-yard line. Prime scoring opportunity, though the Tide need a touchdown at this point. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 3:00 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama staying in it 

Late 4Q: Michigan 19, No. 11 Alabama 13 

We've got some clutch kicking in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Alabama stalled at Michigan's 33-yard line during a crucial drive. Instead of going for it on fourth-and-10, the Crimson Tide sent kicker Graham Nicholson out. He hit his second field goal of the day and set his season high with a 51-yard boot. It had enough power behind it to split the uprights from even further out. Alabama's hanging around. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 2:51 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan draws further ahead 

Mid 4Q: Michigan 19, No. 11 Alabama 10 

Dominic Zvada, still one of the most important players in college football. It's rare that a college kicker is so reliable, but he has now hit on all four of his field goal attempts in the ReliaQuest Bowl. His latest, from 37 yards out, was the biggest, as it expanded Michigan's lead back to two possessions with 7:21 left to play. Michigan leaned on running back Jordan Marshall, who carried the ball five times, to get into scoring range. He had a nice 24-yard run that moved the ball into Alabama territory. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 2:42 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama unable to capitalize 

Alabama, which has scoring drives of 71 and 90 yards, was unable to capitalize on its best starting field position of the game after a Zabien Brown interception handed Alabama the ball on the 50-yard line. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe almost threw an interception on third-and-7. The Crimson Tide still went for it, and Milroe was late on a pass to Jaylen Mbakwe, who caught the ball out of bounds. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 2:35 pm ET · Will Backus]

Not much change in third quarter 

End 3Q: Michigan 16, No. 11 Alabama 10 

Michigan stills holds a narrow lead after three quarters of play. Five drives ended without any points in the third quarter. Four of those resulted in punts, while the fifth was cut short when Michigan quarterback Alex Orji threw an interception to Alabama defensive back Zabien Brown. 

The biggest news coming out of the third quarter was the fact that Michigan starting quarterback Davis Warren was taken to the locker room with an apparent leg injury. Without Warren, the Wolverines turned to Orji, who hasn't been able to make anything happen on offense. 

Alabama will start the fourth quarter with a prime opportunity to finally jump into the lead. Brown's interception gave the Tide the ball at the 50-yard line, and a quick 9-yard completion to wide receiver Rico Scott put Alabama in Michigan territory for the first time since the second quarter ended. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 2:26 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan punts... again 

All 16 of Michigan's points thus far came in the first quarter. Not counting the end of the first half, the Wolverines have punted on five consecutive drives since. They have crossed midfield just once since the first quarter and all four of their first-quarter drives began in plus territory. So that means Michigan's offense has possessed the ball 10 times, but it has made it past the 50-yard line just once. The Wolverines still have yet to gain more than 34 yards in a single drive. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 2:22 pm ET · Will Backus]

Key Alabama defender banged up

Now Alabama is having injury issues of its own. Top linebacker Jihaad Campbell just left the field with an apparent injury after attempting a tackle on Michigan running back Jordan Marshall. He was slow to get up and didn't walk off the field until Alabama's training staff came out to help him. He would be a huge loss fro the Crimson Tide defense, which has played very well today.

[Dec 31, 2024 at 2:09 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan QB Warren injured

Michigan's offense is still spinning its wheels after an ineffective drive to open the second half. To make matters worse, starting quarterback Davis Warren appears injured after taking a long sack. Alabama defensive linemen dragged Warren down near the sideline and Warren remained on the turf for a few moments. He initially got up, with the help of teammates, but went back to the ground after taking a few steps. Warren wasn't putting much weight on his right leg, which got bent under him when Smith brough him to the ground. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 1:35 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan holds onto lead entering halftime 

Half: Michigan 16, No. 11 Alabama 10 

Michigan leads No. 11 Alabama 16-7 at halftime of the ReliaQuest Bowl after the first two quarters felt way more lopsided than the score may indicate. Alabama turned the ball over three times in the first quarter -- and that doesn't include its first drive, which ended in a failed fourth-down conversion -- which gave Michigan three drives that started in the red zone. 

In spite of that, the Wolverines only found the end zone once in the first half thanks to a 13-yard connection between quarterback Davis Warren and wide receiver Fredrick Moore. Moore, who stepped into a bigger role when Michigan lost its top two receivers entering Tuesday's game, had a nice first half with three catches for 37 yards and the score. 

Though it took Alabama's offense a long time to find its footing, Michigan's inability to fully capitalize on Alabama's numerous mistakes allowed the Crimson Tide to keep the door open. They captured some late momentum with a four-play, 71-yard drive capped by a 25-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Jalen Milroe and tight end Robbie Ouzts near the end of the second quarter. 

Prior to that 71-yard scoring drive, Alabama had 2 total yards on offense. The Crimson Tide now enter halftime outgaining Michigan by 54 yards. 

Michigan's offense needs to figure something out in the second half. The Wolverines, who will receive the kickoff, cannot sit on their lead with Alabama's offense starting to hit its stride. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 1:38 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama chipping away 

Late 2Q: Michigan 16, No. 11 Alabama 10 

It seemed like Alabama would have been content to run the clock out and enter half time when it gained possession at its own 4-yard line with just 50 seconds left to play and no timeouts. But, on third-and-1, Michigan inexplicably saved some clock for the Crimson Tide by calling a timeout. Then quarterback Jalen Milroe ripped off a 41-yard run, and hit wide receiver Germie Bernard for a gain of 40 yards, which put the Crimson Tide in prime scoring position. Kicker Graham Nicholson eventually ate into Michigan's lead with a 24-yard field goal. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 1:20 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama breaks through 

Late 2Q: Michigan 16, No. 11 Alabama 7

It took over 25 minutes, but Alabama's offense finally looks like itself. The Crimson Tide just battled back into this game with an easy 71-yard drive, marching down the field in just four plays to score their first touchdown of the game. Freshman wide receiver Rico Scott got things started with a 28-yard gain on a jet sweep play. Alabama then gained a combined 15 yards on a tight end screen that Josh Cuevas fumbled. Offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett recovered the ball and rumbled for another eight yards. Then, a couple plays later, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe hit a wide open Robbie Ouzts for a 25-yard touchdown. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 1:11 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama offense still stuck in mud 

The only positive thing to say for Alabama's offense thus far is that it has now gone two straight possessions without a turnover. Both of those drives still ended in a punt, though. The Crimson Tide have more turnovers (3) than total yards (2). Their offense totals are being dragged down by their minus 16 yards rushing. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has already been sacked three times, and Alabama's running backs have combined for 11 yards on five carries. Milroe, who was responsible for all three turnovers, is having a rough game. Outside of the mistakes, he's also been inaccurate passing the ball thus far and had a couple misses on Alabama's latest drive that forced it into another punt. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 1:00 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama's defense gets much-needed stop 

Alabama's defense has played well thus far, and it just got a much-needed stop after the Crimson Tide punted for the first time. Michigan gained 24 yards in eight plays and took five minutes off the clock but, ultimately, had to punt short of the 50-yard line after a rush attempt was stoned on third-and-8. 

Alabama returner Ryan Williams decided to field the punt at Alabama's 16-yard line and was tackled immediately, which means that the Crimson Tide will, once again, start with unfavorable field position. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:47 pm ET · Will Backus]

Disaster for Alabama thus far

End 1Q: Michigan 16, No. 11 Alabama 0 

The ReliaQuest Bowl really couldn't be going much worse for Alabama thus far. The Crimson Tide turned the ball over three times and had another drive end with a failed fourth-down conversion in the first quarter. One of those turnovers was an entirely unforced error when quarterback Jalen Milroe fumbled the ball on a botched snap exchange. 

That was the first of two fumbles for Milroe, who also had an interception. Even with all of that, Michigan wasn't able to exit the first quarter with a completely decisive lead. All four of Michigan's drives started in Alabama territory with the average start at Alabama's 21-yard line, but Michigan still came out with three field goals courtesy of kicker Dominic Zvada. 

Alabama's defense is keeping the Tide in this game and covering for an offense that, in addition to its sloppy play, finished the first frame with minus-2 total net yards. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:44 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan's lead keeps growing 

Late 1Q: Michigan 16, No. 11 Alabama 0

Credit Alabama's defense for keeping this game from spiraling entirely out of control. Michigan gained possession inside Alabama's 10-yard line after a strip-sack of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe but the Wolverines were unable to score a touchdown with more advantageous field position. Instead, Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada made his third field goal of the game, this one a kick from 21 yards out. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:39 pm ET · Will Backus]

It gets worse for Alabama 

Four plays and three turnovers now for Alabama. This time, quarterback Jalen Milroe came under pressure off the edge when dropping back to pass on first-and-10. Cornerback Amir Hall, who came through on a blitz, got a hand on Milroe's arm and forced the ball loose. Michigan defensive lineman Cameron Brandt was able to recover the fumble and stumbled for a gain of five yards. Now a third straight possession that will start in the red zone for the Wolverines. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:36 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan breaks through to the end zone 

Late 1Q: Michigan 13, No. 11 Alabama 0 

Michigan finally took full advantage of another Alabama mistake. After kicking field goals on Alabama's first two turnovers -- a failed fourth-down conversion and a fumble -- the Wolverines got the ball in the red zone again thanks to an interception from defensive back Wesley Walker. On third-and-7, quarterback Davis Warren lofted a pass to wide receiver Fredrick Moore, who made a phenomenal toe-tapping catch to secure a 13-yard touchdown. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:32 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama in meltdown mode 

About everything that could go wrong for Alabama thus far has. All three of the Crimson Tide's offensive drives have now ended in a turnover. Quarterback Jalen Milroe just threw a bad interception where he stared down a receiver on an out route and pulled the trigger too late, allowing Michigan defensive back Wesley Walker to hop the route and tip the ball to himself for an interception. This is Michigan's second straight drive that will start in the red zone. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:28 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan adds to its lead 

Mid 1Q: Michigan 6, No. 11 Alabama 0 

Two drives that started with favorable field position and two field goals for Michigan thus far. The Wolverines got the ball in the red zone after Alabama fumbled a snap due to the bad weather. They weren't able to get a ton of yardage with three straight runs and settled for the points with a 30-yard field goal from kicker Dominic Zvada. A smart strategy in a game that may not see a ton of offense due to the conditions.  

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:24 pm ET · Will Backus]

On cue, there's the bad weather 

It's absolutely pouring in Tampa Bay. It didn't take long to negatively affect Alabama. On the first play of the Crimson Tide's second drive, Alabama snapped the ball in shotgun formation. Quarterback Jalen Milroe couldn't get a good handle on the wet ball and fumbled it. The loose ball bounced around a bit before ending up in the hands of Michigan's Derrick Moore, who already had a big sack that ended Alabama's first offensive drive. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:22 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan opens the scoring

Mid 1Q: Michigan 3, No. 11 Alabama 0

Michigan's defense gave its offense favorable field position with a big sack and the Wolverines were able to capitalize. It didn't take much effort to get into field goal range, given Dominic Zvada's leg, and Michigan did just enough to attempt a 45-yard kick that Zvada nailed in the pouring rain. He's been Michigan's offensive MVP all year and he'll be crucial in what's shaping up to be a very bad weather game. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:11 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan's defense comes up big 

Alabama worked the ball just past the 50-yard line and decided to go for it on fourth-and-4, looking to put some points on the board early. But Michigan's defense, which is going to have to have a big game to keep this one close, was up to the task. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe dropped back to pass and immediately came under pressure from Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore, who bullied the right tackle and sacked Milroe for a big loss. Michigan takes over in Alabama territory, on the edge of kicker Dominic Zvada's field goal range. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 12:06 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama will get us started 

Michigan won the opening toss and deferred to the second half, which means that Alabama's offense will start with the ball. The Crimson Tide have a good chance to set the tone early against a shorthanded Michigan defense, given that Kalen DeBoer's squad is almost at full strength. That includes quarterback Jalen Milroe, who has yet to make a final NFL Draft decision and, as such, is playing in Tuesday's bowl game. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 11:30 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

ReliaQuest Bowl prediction 

Games between big-time programs are sometimes as simple as effort and participation. Expect that to take center stage. Alabama has a strong culture of showing up for bowl games, winning eight of their last nine -- all except the Rose Bowl against Michigan last season. Don't expect the Tide to waste the opportunity, especially with a chance to reach 10 wins. Pick: Alabama -10.5

[Dec 31, 2024 at 11:00 am ET · Will Backus]

Already battling in the transfer portal 

Michigan has already secured at least one transfer portal win over Alabama. The Wolverines signed former Crimson Tide defensive lineman Damon Payne, who is a three star in 247Sports' Transfer Rankings. He, obviously, cannot play in the ReliaQuest Bowl, but he is a big add for Michigan's future. Michigan is also the presumed favorite for Alabama transfer running back Justice Haynes, the No. 1 running back in the portal. Haynes has already received two 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions to land at Michigan. He'd be a clear starter in a room that, as outlined below, looks a little depleted entering the 2025 season. 

[Dec 31, 2024 at 10:30 am ET · Will Backus]

Alabama at (almost) full strength 

Not counting its transfer portal departures, Alabama is expected to be at mostly full strength. Coach Kalen DeBoer said during the head coaches press conference Monday that he hasn't had conversations with any of Alabama's players about opting out. That includes quarterback Jalen Milroe, who is still mulling over his NFL Draft decision. 

"I'd be pretty surprised," DeBoer said of any opt outs. "I think they're here to win. To compete. To put the best product we can put out there on the football field for four quarters and go out there. I wouldn't expect something like that."   

[Dec 31, 2024 at 10:05 am ET · Will Backus]

Michigan thin on running backs

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings will not play in the ReliaQuest Bowl as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft. Mullings, a former linebacker, had the best season of his college career in 2024, rushing for a team-high 948 yards and 12 touchdowns. Mullings entered the season as the backup behind Donovan Edwards and assumed the role as the Wolverines' bellcow running back just weeks into the season.  

Edwards also opted out, which leaves the Wolverines short on experienced running backs as they prepare for their showdown against Alabama. That leaves true freshman Jordan Marshall as Michigan's expected RB1. 

Michigan RB Kalel Mullings won't play in ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Alabama as he preps for 2025 NFL Draft

Cameron Salerno