TAMPA, Fla. — Even without some of its biggest stars, Michigan capitalized on a sloppy first quarter from No. 11 Alabama and beat the Crimson Tide 19-13 Tuesday in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Alabama, the first team left out of the College Football Playoff, was favored by more than two touchdowns against a Michigan team that was missing several of its top NFL Draft prospects. Two first-quarter fumbles and an interception from quarterback Jalen Milroe helped the Wolverines grab an early 16-0 lead, and Michigan hung on despite being outgained 260 yards to 190.
Michigan running back Jordan Marshall, playing in place of seniors Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards, had 100 yards on 23 carries. Milroe completed 16 of 32 passes for 192 yards with an interception, throwing four consecutive incompletions in the final two minutes after leading Alabama into the red zone.
Michigan (8-5) finished the season on a three-game winning streak and beat the Crimson Tide for the second time in 2024 in a rematch of last season’s CFP semifinal at the Rose Bowl.
Michigan’s defense came to play
One of the big storylines was how Michigan’s defense would perform without Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josaiah Stewart and other players who opted out. The Wolverines answered that question by forcing three early turnovers and limiting Alabama to minus-2 yards in the first quarter while jumping out to a 16-0 lead.
Edge rusher Derrick Moore, who has said he plans to return next season, made his case to be considered among the top defensive players in the Big Ten. Moore had two sacks and a fumble recovery in the first half, and Aamir Hall forced another Jalen Milroe fumble that was recovered by Cameron Brandt.
Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s unit played its best football late in the season, and that continued in the bowl game, even without several players who were instrumental to Michigan’s late-season turnaround. The defensive line appears to be in good hands for next season, as Michigan sacked Milroe five times and limited Alabama to 68 rushing yards and 2.3 yards per carry. — Austin Meek
Bryce Underwood, come on down
Michigan’s season started with uncertainty at quarterback and ended the same way after Davis Warren left the game with an injury in the third quarter. Alex Orji, who has already announced plans to transfer, took over for Warren and completed 2 of 3 passes for two yards with an interception.
Sticking with Orji over freshman Jadyn Davis was a curious move. Davis was viewed as Michigan’s potential quarterback of the future when he signed with the Wolverines in the Class of 2024, though that title has since been claimed by Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2025. Underwood participated in bowl practices as an early enrollee and attended Tuesday’s game, though he wasn’t eligible to play.
Now that the season is over, Michigan will turn its attention to 2025 and a new-look quarterback competition. Michigan signed Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene from the transfer portal to compete with Underwood, and coach Sherrone Moore said Warren is leaning toward using his fifth year of eligibility at Michigan. Warren completed 9 of 12 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown before his injury. — Meek
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images)
