The Alabama Crimson Tide football team will not compete for the national championship this season, finishing just outside the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) as they ranked No. 11, falling behind SMU. After suffering losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, Alabama missed the opportunity to play for the SEC championship.
However, the Crimson Tide still have a chance to conclude their 2024 season positively. They are set to face the Michigan Wolverines in the ReliaQuest Bowl, scheduled for December 31 at 11 a.m. CT in Tampa, Florida, with the game being broadcasted on ESPN.
Alabama has a historical connection with the ReliaQuest Bowl, although it has had different names in the past. The Crimson Tide has faced Michigan twice in this bowl’s former versions. In 1987, Alabama lost 28-24 to Michigan in the Hall of Fame Bowl, while in 1996 they triumphed with a 17-14 victory in the Outback Bowl.
In total, Alabama and Michigan have squared off six times recently, with their last encounter occurring during the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinals, where Michigan edged Alabama 27-20 in the Rose Bowl.
Looking back at other recent bowl games, Alabama’s last non-CFP bowl appearance was a win against Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl on December 31, 2022. They also faced tough competition in Nick Saban’s first season, where they achieved a close victory over Colorado in the Independence Bowl.
As for the matchup in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Alabama will look to harness their past experiences and aim for a strong finish to their season against a formidable opponent in Michigan. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN, giving fans an opportunity to witness this exciting showdown.
The outlook for Alabama football remains bright, with their history of bouncing back from challenging seasons. This bowl game could serve as a pivotal moment to gather momentum for future seasons under their storied coaching staff.