Pregame observations: Michigan football vs. Alabama
TAMPA, Fla. — Michigan Wolverines football is set to take on Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl Tuesday in Tampa, and TheWolverine.com is on hand at Raymond James Stadium. Michigan is a 14-point underdog in the rematch of last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal.
Follow along below for injury updates, pregame observations and more from the stadium.
Notes from Michigan team warmups
12/31/2024 10:24:19 AM• Starting corners: Zeke Berry and Aamir Hall, but that is in heavy personnel with five linemen.
• Jyaire Hill and Jo’Ziah Edmond now in with the twos.
• Starting safeties are the same: Quinten Johnson and Wesley Walker. Everything else as expected.
• Top three DTs: Enow Etta, Rayshaun Benny and Trey Pierce
Quarterback order
12/31/2024 10:19:31 AMIn 7-on-7 warmups, Davis Warren took the first snaps, Alex Orji came in next and Jadyn Davis followed them up. At running back, it was Jordan Marshall as the starter, before Benjamin Hall replaced him.
Offensive line notes
12/31/2024 10:05:53 AMThe first group of offensive lineman in individual warmups is as expected, the starters from left to right: Evan Link, Josh Priebe, Greg Crippen, Giovanni El-Hadi, Andrew Sprague.
Link started most games at right tackle this season but moved over to the left side with Myles Hinton out. Andrew Sprague is set to make his first career start.
Rain hits pregame
12/31/2024 10:01:42 AMIt started down pouring briefly during warmups, but stopped shortly thereafter. Fans who had taken their seats scattered. The Wolverines who were taking the field at the same time that the rain started were extra fired up. It’s still not expected to rain during the game.
Michigan punt game notes
12/31/2024 09:53:26 AMSemaj Morgan and Tyler Morris have been returning punts all season. Morris is in the portal, though, so Keshaun Harris is also repping at returner. Hudson Hollenbeck, meanwhile, will be Michigan’s main punter today.
Mason Graham, Will Johnson, Kenneth Grant, Colston Loveland make appearance
12/31/2024 09:39:31 AMMichigan star juniors who are headed to the NFL will not play today, but they did make the last-minute trip to Tampa to support their teammates.
Michigan availability report revealed
12/31/2024 09:38:06 AMMichigan has released its availability report for the game. In addition to those listed, the following NFL-bound Wolverines will not play:
• Running back Donovan Edwards
• Running back Kalel Mullings
• Tight end Colston Loveland
• Left tackle Myles Hinton
• EDGE Josaiah Stewart
• Defensive tackle Mason Graham
• Defensive tackle Kenneth Grant
• Cornerback Will Johnson
• Safety Makari Paige
ReliaQuest Bowl information: Michigan vs. Alabama
Venue: Raymond James Stadium (65,000)
Kickoff: 12:04 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN App / FuboTV
On The Call: Dave Flemming (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (color) and Stormy Buonantony (sideline)
Radio: LEARFIELD Michigan Sports Network, anchored by WWJ 950 AM in the Detroit area, with Doug Karsch (play-by-play), Jon Jansen (color) and Jason Avant (sideline) on the call. Karsch and Jansen are regular contributors to TheWolverine.com. Click here for the full list of radio affiliates to find the station in your area. The radio broadcast can also be streamed through MGoBlue.com.
Series Facts: Michigan has a 3-3 record all time against Alabama, including last year’s matchup in the Rose Bowl/CFP semifinals, a game that Michigan won, 27-20, in overtime. Previously, U-M won the first meeting 28-24 in the 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl and 35-34 in the 2000 Orange Bowl. Alabama won 17-14 in the 1997 Outback Bowl and in the two subsequent meetings: 41-14 in 2012 and 35-16 in the 2020 Citrus Bowl
Michigan vs. Alabama: Depth charts, rosters and stats
DEPTH CHARTS, ROSTERS & STATS: Click to download a printer-friendly PDF!
