Michigan vs Alabama NCAAF ReliaQuest Bowl Preview and Prediction December 31, 2024.
Posted 9 months ago | Betting Previews and Predictions, NCAAF | 1 comments
Michigan vs Alabama December 31, 2024 @ Tampa, FLA
Opening Betting Odds
Spread: Michigan +11.5, Alabama -11.5
Moneyline: Michigan +325, Alabama -425
Total: 43
Preview
Michigan defeated Alabama 27-20 in overtime in the first round of last year’s playoffs, and that might set up a revenge angle for the Crimson Tide here the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Crimson Tide though were bumped out of the playoffs when Clemson stole a bid with their win over SMU in the ACC Championship Game.
The ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly the Hall of Fame Bowl) has traditionally been played on New Years Day. The last time this game was played in the month of December was back in 1986 when Boston College beat Georgia 27-24.
Alabama will be a heavy favorite, but it remains to be seen who will actually suit up for this game. We expect to see at least some starters opt out and declare for the NFL Draft.
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Michigan
- 7-5 Overall in 2024
- 5-4 in the BIG10 in 2024
- 5-7 ATS in 2024
The Wolverines struggled in the first half of the season, but they finished strong covering the spread in four of their last five. They closed out the season on a positive note, winning outright at Columbus as a 21-point underdog. Below average quarterback play was an issue all year long, with Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle and Alex Orgi all seeing time as the starter.
Davis Warren began the season as the starter, and he stepped back in at the end of October after missing a few games. He threw for just 1,126 yards, 6 TDs and 9 INTs on 63 percent passing in eight starts.
The Wolverines flipped five star quarterback Bryce Underwood who had previously committed to play for LSU. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback played at Belleville High School, which is about 15 miles east of Ann Arbor. Overall the 2024 season should be viewed as a success story for first year head coach Sherrone Moore.
Alabama
- 9-3 Overall in 2024
- 5-3 in the SEC in 2024
- 7-5 ATS in 2024
The Crimson Tide hired Kalen Deboer after Nick Saban retired to pursue a career in broadcasting. Deboer has big shoes to fill, and a 9-3 season will draw mixed reviews in Tuscaloosa.
Wins over Georgia and LSU were overshadowed by inexplicable losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide finished 3rd in the SEC in scoring averaging 35.5 points per game. Jalen Milroe was in the conversation for the Heisman last year, after throwing for 2,834 yards, 23 TDs and 6 INTs. His stats regressed in 2024, with just 15 TDs and 10 INTs.
Kalen DeBoer’s overall record as head coach is 112–15, and he won three NAIA Football National Championships, in 2006, 2008, and 2009.
Relevant Trends
- The total has gone Under in 5 of Alabama’s last 6 games.
- The Crimson Tide are 16-0 SU in their last 16 games played in December.
- The total has gone OVERin 6 of Michigan’s last 9 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Michigan’s last 7 games played in December..
- The Wolverines are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games.
PREDICTION: MICHIGAN 21 – ALABAMA 28
This very well could be a case of the wrong team favored. The Wolverines come in off the high of winning at Ohio State, by far their best game of the season. The Crimson tide however are in the “Dream Crusher” spot, after being eliminated from the College Football Playoffs. This double digit spread can only be justified if all the Alabama starters suit up for this game, and until that plays out we would expect Michigan to keep this game within the number.
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One comment on “Michigan vs Alabama NCAAF ReliaQuest Bowl Preview and Prediction December 31, 2024.”
I don’t think anyone can bet any real money on this game until we know who is opting out. Probably just gonna pass myself.