The Michigan Wolverines stunned the Alabama Crimson Tide 19-13 to win the Reliaquest Bowl. The Wolverines entered as -14.5 underdogs and put on a defensive performance that will go unnoticed. In back-to-back games, Michigan has left people speechless as they defeated their rivals Ohio State and Alabama. The Wolverines finished their season 8-5 and are one of the preseason favorites to make the College Football Playoffs next year.
Defense Shines for Michigan
Michigan’s defense held the Tide’s offense to a meager 260 total yards of offense. They sacked Jalen Milroe five times and had one interception in the win. Alabama’s star receiver, Ryan Williams, caught three passes for eight yards, and running back Rico Scott led the team in rushing with 28 yards on one rushing attempt. Jalen Milroe was held in check for a second consecutive year as he carried the ball 16 times for seven yards and completed 16 of 32 passing for 192 yards, a TD, and one INT.
For the Wolverines, running back Jordan Marshall carried the ball 23 times for 100 yards, more than the entire Alabama team. Receiver Frederick Moore caught three passes for 37 yards and Michigan’s only touchdown in the game. Quarterback Davis Warren didn’t throw the ball much, but he was effective. He completed 9 of 12 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Head Coach Sherrone Moore coached this game perfectly. He knew his boys were outmatched, and the only way to win was to keep the ball away from Alabama. Michigan dominated time of possession 38:12 to the Tide’s 21:48, which was the difference maker.
Unsung Hero
While everyone focuses on the defense, quarterback, or running back as the reason a team wins, I will spotlight Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada. He finished the game 4 of 4 on field goals, with a long of 45 yards. He also nailed the PAT and proved his worth to his team. Zvada finished the year with a 95.5% completion rate and only missed one field goal all season. His longest field goal of the year was 56 yards.
Looking Forward
Coach Sherrone Moore has earned every Wolverine fan’s and his peers’ respect. This season was a transition year, and Moore did a phenomenal job keeping this team together. The fact that he closed out the season with a win over Ohio State in Columbus and Alabama speaks volumes. This 2024 Michigan team’s passing game was non-existent, and Moore was able to get it done on the ground for the most part.
Next year, things will be different as Moore has brought in several high-caliber players to make the team even better in 2025. QB Bryce Underwood, the #1 player in the country, has committed to Michigan, RB Justice Haynes is transferring from Alabama, DL Damon Payne is transferring from Alabama, and Indiana WR Donaven McCulley is also transferring. These are just a few marquee names that will be putting on the Maize & Blue in 2025.
According to multiple sources, Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines are favorites to make the College Football Playoffs next year and have a good chance of winning the National Championship again.
