Alabama and Michigan are set to face off for only the seventh time on New Year’s Eve in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
It will be the second time the two teams have met this calendar year, with the Wolverines defeating the Crimson Tide 27-20 in the Rose Bowl semifinal on New Year’s Day.
Here are some things to watch for in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Revenge Game for Bama and DeBoer
Alabama may have fallen short of making the playoffs, but the Tide's bowl matchup gives them a chance to get some payback from last season. Michigan not only killed Alabama’s dreams in the Rose Bowl semifinal, but they also defeated Kalen DeBoer’s Washington Huskies in the championship game. Washington transfer receiver Germie Bernard has expressed his eagerness to get revenge against Michigan and said he's taking this game personally.
New Look for Mbakwe
Jaylen Mbakwe has been at the center of attention of Alabama football news after flirting with the transfer portal. He eventually decided to stay with Alabama but the once defensive back is now practicing at wide receiver. Not only has he changed positions, but he also has changed his jersey number from nine to six. With Alabama down to just four scholarship receivers, Mbakwe should get plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent on the offensive side of the ball. In high school, Mbakwe played on both sides of the ball, but it’s not clear yet if he will try and play both sides of the ball for the Crimson Tide.
More Touches for Young
Alabama’s running back room lost Justice Haynes to the transfer portal but got good news that Jam Miller will be returning next year. Redshirt freshman Richard Young should benefit the most from Haynes' departure. Young has had a limited number of touches as the Crimson Tide’s third-string running back this season, but with Haynes' departure, he moves up to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart for the bowl game.
New Faces in the Secondary
The Crimson Tide will be down two of their starters in the secondary leaving two big spots to fill. Malachi Moore is out with injury, leaving an open spot at safety, and DeVonta Smith has transferred to Notre Dame, leaving an open spot at the Husky position. Zay Mincey will likely replace Moore, and DaShawn Jones will likely slide into the Husky position. Other young guys could also see some action in the secondary but shouldn’t be tested too much by a below-average Michigan passing attack.
The ReliaQuest Bowl will kick off at 11 a.m. CT on New Year’s Eve. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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