
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 college football season, the Michigan Wolverines triumphed over the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide with a 19-13 victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31, as Yahoo! Sports reported. The win marked Michigan’s second consecutive bowl victory against Alabama, following their Rose Bowl win earlier in the year.
The game’s momentum was set early, as Michigan’s defense forced turnovers on Alabama’s first four possessions—one on downs, two fumbles, and an interception—all within the first 13 minutes. These defensive feats provided the Wolverines with advantageous field positions, leading to a 16-point surge in the first quarter, which was the most that Alabama allowed since 2022 against Tennesse, as CBS Sports reported. Kicker Dominic Zvada was instrumental, successfully converting field goals from 45, 30, and 21 yards. Quarterback Davis Warren connected with wide receiver Fredrick Moore for a 13-yard touchdown pass, further extending the lead.
Alabama responded in the second quarter with a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Milroe to tight end Robbie Ouzts, narrowing the gap. A subsequent 24-yard field goal by Graham Nicholson brought the halftime score to 16-10 in favor of Michigan.
The third quarter remained scoreless as both defenses held firm. In the fourth quarter, Zvada added a 37-yard field goal for Michigan, bringing his total to four successful attempts in the game. Alabama’s Nicholson answered with a 51-yard field goal, but the Crimson Tide couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Michigan’s defense maintained pressure throughout, limiting Alabama’s rushing attack to just 68 yards and securing a pivotal interception.
Warren completed 9 of 12 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game due to a knee injury. Running back Jordan Marshall anchored Michigan’s ground game with 23 carries for 100 yards. On the opposing side, Milroe completed 16 of 32 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Wide receiver Germie Bernard was a standout for Alabama, recording four receptions for 80 yards.
This victory holds historical significance for Michigan. Under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines achieved an 8-5 record, including notable wins over rivals Michigan State and Ohio State. The back-to-back victories against Alabama make Michigan the only program in college football history to defeat the Crimson Tide twice in the same calendar year. Additionally, they are the first team since 1978 to secure consecutive wins as double-digit underdogs.
Alabama, concluding the season with a 9-4 record, faced challenges throughout the game, particularly with ball security in the opening quarter. The absence of key defensive back Malachi Moore due to injury was felt, and despite efforts to rally, the early turnovers proved insurmountable.