Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) vs. Michigan Wolverines (7-5)
December 31, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Michigan Wolverines +12.5 / Alabama Crimson Tide -12.5; Over/Under: +43.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Michigan vs Alabama prediction for this College Football game on Tuesday, December 31st at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
The Michigan Wolverines are 7-5 (5-4) this year after they defeated Ohio State by a score of 13-10 in their last game. Michigan was tied at 10 at the half and they scored the only points in the second half for the win. The Wolverines were out gained by a total of 252-234, tied the turnover battle at two, and went 7-14 on third down in the game. Davis Warren threw for 62 yards and two interceptions, while Kalel Mullings rushed for 116 yards and one score in the win.
Michigan also has wins over Northwestern, Michigan State, Minnesota, USC, Arkansas State, and Fresno State, while losing to Texas, Washington, Illinois, Oregon, and Indiana. The Michigan offense has scored 22.3 points per game with 133.6 passing yards and 160.7 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 20.5 points against per game this season. Davis Warren has completed 63.5% of his passes for 1,126 yards, six touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while Kalel Mullings has rushed for 948 yards and 12 scores this year.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide are 9-3 (5-3) this season after they defeated Auburn by a score of 28-14 in their last game. Alabama led 14-6 at the half and they scored the first 14 points in the second half to pull away in the win. The Crimson Tide out gained Auburn by a total of 457-399, lost the turnover battle 4-2, and went 12-18 on third down in the game. Jalen Milroe threw for 256 yards and one interception, while also rushing for 104 yards and three scores in the game.
Alabama also has wins against Mercer, LSU, Missouri, South Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, South Florida, and WKU. The Alabama offense has scored 36.3 points per game with 240.1 passing yards and 182.7 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 17.3 points against per game this season. Jalen Milroe has completed 65.9% of his passes for 2,652 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while Ryan Williams has caught 45 passes for 857 yards and eight scores this year.
Why Alabama will beat Michigan
- Alabama has won 24 of its last 26 games against non-conference opponents.
- Michigan has lost five of its last six games against opponents from the Southeastern Conference.
- The favorite has covered the spread in each of Alabama’s last five Bowl games.
- Michigan has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against opponents from the Southeastern Conference.
- Alabama has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Alabama has won the first quarter in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Five of Alabama’s last six games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Michigan’s last three games as an underdog at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Michigan ranks 4th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (92.6).
- Michigan ranks 130th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (133.6).
- Alabama ranks 3rd among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (6.7).
- Alabama ranks 4th among FBS teams for average point differential in first quarters this season (+7.4).
Michigan vs Alabama Prediction
Michigan comes into this game after picking up a huge upset win over Ohio State in their last game, but they are missing a good amount of production in this game. Michigan had issues on offense all season and with some starters opting out of this game, it is probably going to be very hard for them to move the ball. Alabama is also missing quite a few players in this game, but they still have Milroe under center. Michigan had one of the best defenses in the country this season, but they are also missing a few starters here. I think Alabama is going to move the ball pretty easily in this game, while Michigan will struggle to pick up first downs. Take Alabama to win big here.
