Alabama vs. Michigan: The ReliaQuest Bowl Rematch – Key Players, Transfer Portal Impact, and Game Predictions

The highly anticipated ReliaQuest Bowl matchup between No. 11 Alabama and Michigan is generating significant interest. This article delves into the key players, the impact of the transfer portal, and game predictions for the rematch of the 2024 Rose Bowl.

Background and Series History

The ReliaQuest Bowl, scheduled for December 31, 2024, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, pits No. 11 Alabama against Michigan in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2024 Rose Bowl encounter. This will be the seventh all-time meeting between the tradition-rich programs, with each team having won three games in the series[4].

Key Players

Michigan

1. Davis Warren and Jadyn Davis: The duo of quarterbacks who will get a chance to show out in the ReliaQuest Bowl. With several key players opting out, including Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, the focus will be on these young quarterbacks to lead the team[2].
2. Benjamin Hall: The sophomore running back who could get his first major appearance after spending the past two years behind Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and Kalel Mullings.
3. Bryce Underwood: The future quarterback for Michigan who won’t be eligible to play but will be watched closely as a potential future starter.

Alabama

1. Jalen Milroe: The Alabama quarterback who had the ball in his hands on the last play of the 2024 Rose Bowl but slipped under pressure, sending Alabama home in the semifinals.
2. Richard Young: The running back who will be a key player for Alabama, especially with several players missing due to injury or transfer decisions[5].
3. Rico Scott: The wide receiver who, along with Jaren Hamilton, will see significant action due to the departure of several prominent receivers via the transfer portal.

Transfer Portal Impact

1. Damon Payne: A former Alabama defensive lineman who has joined Michigan, providing a significant boost to their defense.
2. Justice Haynes: An Alabama transfer running back who is a top target for Michigan and could be a clear starter in their depleted running back room.

Game Predictions

1. Alabama’s Bowl Game History: Alabama has a strong culture of showing up for bowl games, winning eight of their last nine, except for the Rose Bowl against Michigan last season.
2. SportsLine’s Prediction: SportsLine’s proven computer model is calling for 10 outright upsets during college football’s bowl and playoff season, with Alabama favored by 10.5 points in this matchup.

Additional Insights

• Recent Matchup: The last meeting was in the 2024 Rose Bowl, where Michigan won 27-20 in overtime.
• Bowl Game Experience: This will be Michigan’s seventh appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl (previously known as the Outback Bowl and Hall of Fame Bowl), while Alabama is looking to bounce back from a disappointing season.

Expert Insights

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized the importance of finishing the year on a positive note, stating, "You want to win them all, right? That's a given. But I think just finishing this year off with a positive would be big for just the direction, for this team to kind of put an end to it, but also to help us just moving forward and the trajectory[4]."

Conclusion

The ReliaQuest Bowl rematch between Alabama and Michigan promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note. The impact of the transfer portal and the performance of key players will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. With Alabama favored by 10.5 points, it will be interesting to see if Michigan can pull off an upset.

References

[1] Not applicable. [2] https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/michigan-football-confirmed-opt-outs-ahead-of-reliaquest-bowl-vs-alabama-star-players-not-playing [3] Not applicable. [4] https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/alabama-michigan-meet-again-in-reliaquest-bowl/ [5] https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/lists/alabama-football-michigan-wolverines-reliaquest-bowl-richard-young-rico-scott/