Alabama, ex-Washington players excited for another shot at Michigan
TAMPA, Fla. – In two days, Alabama will play Michigan for the second time this year. Not the second time this season but in the same calendar year, as the Wolverines ended the Crimson Tide’s 2023 campaign in Pasadena, 27-20, in the Rose Bowl semifinal on Jan. 1.
Alabama’s players haven’t forgotten that loss.
While the Tide notoriously treats every opponent the same, a little bit of excitement returned to a deflated locker room when it learned it would face Michigan after being left out of the playoff.
“We fell short against them last year, so whenever you have an opportunity to play a team that you lost to, there’s a great opportunity to go and right the wrongs from last year,” said Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker. “We would have been excited with any opponent.
“But we’re excited that it’s Michigan, and we’re excited to go out and compete.”
Alabama (9-3, 5-3 SEC) has a chance at redemption almost a year to the date of the overtime loss in California. But the Washington coaches and players who followed Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa have a similar opportunity. Michigan defeated the Huskies, 34-13, in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game back on Jan. 8 in Houston.
The memory is still fresh in the players who transferred from Washington’s minds. Just ask wide receiver Germie Bernard, who shared what he’s looking to get out of the ReliaQuest Bowl.
“To dominate,” Bernard said. “Last year, I was at Washington and we came up short. So this game, I’m taking it personal.”
Bernard said he is “most definitely” excited to have another shot at the Wolverines.
“It’s our chance to come back and dominate and show the world what Alabama football is about,” Bernard said.
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Having both of their seasons end with a loss to Michigan provided a common group for Alabama and Washington’s players as the Tide’s 2024 roster started to take shape. The head coach, two on-field coaches, multiple staffers and four players made their way from Seattle to Tuscaloosa in the offseason, and Booker said Alabama’s bowl matchup has them fired up.
“Even the coaching staff, the coaches were there for that loss, too,” Booker said. “That’s actually something that we bonded over when they first got here. ‘Hey, we both lost to the same guys, so let’s come together and put out a great product.’ To see it all come full circle is very exciting.”
Alabama will look to close out the 2024 season on a high note after not making the first 12-team playoff. That would have been the case regardless of the bowl designation or the opponent.
“Any team that we would have played, we would have still felt the same way,” Bernard said. “I don’t think any team is more important than any other team. It’s just another game that’s on our schedule, and we’re gonna come out and play Alabama football like we’re supposed to.”
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