Alabama’s Season Ends in Pitiful Upset by Michigan

Tampa, FL. - It took some time, but Alabama's offense finally woke up and made it an entertaining game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Reliaquest Bowl.

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The first quarter was nothing short of a disaster for Alabama, with three turnovers (two fumbles, and one interception by Jalen Milroe) combined with a turnover on down on Alabama's initial drive of the game saw the Crimson Tide averaging negative yardage through the first 15 minutes of the final game of the 2024 season.

Michigan was able to capitalize on the mistakes of Alabama, scoring three field goals and a touchdown from Davis Warren to Frederick Moore to give the defending national champions a staggering 16-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, with the game feeling much more out of reach than the two-score deficit indicated.

As the rain poured in Raymond James Stadium, the grim feeling along the Alabama sideline matched the weather.

Alabama finally stopped the bleeding, got off the mat, and punched Michigan thanks to a four-play, 71-yard touchdown drive that was capped off with a 25-yard touchdown from Jalen Milroe to Robbie Outz, Milroe's first passing touchdown against a power-five opponent since October 19 at Tennessee.

Alabama capped its positive second quarter off with an eight-play, 90-yard drive that ended in a 24-yard field goal by Graham Nicholson. The big plays of the drive came courtesy of Jalen Milroe, who raced down the sideline for a 41-yard gain before finding Germie Bernard for another 40 yards down to the Michigan six-yard line.

Alabama had life going into halftime.

The offense sputtered in the third quarter, however. Both teams were held scoreless, as Michigan up to that point only had one drive of longer than 25 yards, and was averaging just 2.8 yards per play. On the other hand, Alabama had 22 total yards of offense in the third quarter. This game would come down to who wanted it more through the final 15 minutes of both team's seasons.

Michigan was pounding the Alabama defensive line with run play after run play. The Wolverines dominated time of possession in the game and kicked a field goal to take a nine-point lead with just over seven minutes left.

it was gut-check time for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama fell to Michigan, and on the final drive, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had two passes sputter to the ground as a disappointing showing in the Reliaquest Bowl came to an end.

Alabama fell to Michigan for the second straight season, this one, in a 19-13 disappointment.

Stat Leaders

Passing: Jalen Milroe - 16/32, 192 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Rico Scott - 1 carry, 28 yards
Receiving: Germie Bernard - 4 catches, 80 yards
Defensive: Jihaad Campbell - 11 tackles

Alabama's 2024 college football season, and the first season under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, ends with a 9-4 record.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.