Michigan (7-5) vs Alabama (9-3)
Game Info: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Raymond James Stadium)
Betting Odds: Michigan +14.5 / Alabama -14.5 --- Over/Under: 42.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines meet Tuesday in the college football ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Here’s a Alabama vs Michigan Prediction. This article will include a Alabama vs Michigan Pick.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide recently beat LSU and Auburn, and they lost to Oklahoma. Alabama has lost 3 of its last 4 non-home games. Jalen Milroe is completing 65.9 percent of his passes for 2,652 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard have combined for 1,571 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while CJ Dippre has 19 receptions.
The Alabama Crimson Tide ground game is averaging 182.7 yards per contest, and Milroe leads the way with 719 yards and 20 touchdowns. Defensively, Alabama is allowing 17.3 points and 330.9 yards per game. Jihaad Campbell leads the Alabama Crimson Tide with 108 tackles, Que Robinson has 4 sacks and Keon Sabb has 2 interceptions.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
The Michigan Wolverines are coming off wins over Northwestern and Ohio State. Michigan has lost 3 of its last 4 non-home games. Davis Warren is completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 1,126 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Colston Loveland and Tyler Morris have combined for 830 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, while Semaj Morgan has 23 receptions.
The Michigan Wolverines ground game is averaging 160.7 yards per contest, and Kalel Millings leads the way with 948 yards and 12 touchdowns. Defensively, Michigan is allowing 20.6 points and 310.9 yards per game. Ernest Hausmann leads the Michigan Wolverines with 82 tackles, Josaiah Stewart has 8.5 sacks and Will Johnson has 2 interceptions.
Alabama vs Michigan Injury Report
Alabama will be without safety Malachi Moore, while linebacker Deontae Lawson, safety Keon Sabb and wide receiver Cole Adams are also out for the Tide.
Michigan has several players opting out, including running backs Donovan Edwards and Kalel Millings, tight end Colston Loveland, defensive linemen Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham, and cornerback Will Johnson. Michigan safety Rod Moore is also out for the Wolverines.
Why the Alabama Crimson Tide will win
- 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).
Alabama vs Michigan Prediction
The Alabama Crimson Tide are massive favorites because Michigan is without so many players for various reasons. The Wolverines clearly don't care about this bowl game. It's the world of college football we're living in. However, this is just the seventh time since 2014 where Michigan is a double-digit underdog. We just saw Michigan as a double-digit underdog against Ohio State and that resulted in an outright victory. And while Alabama is expected to play starters, you have to question if the motivation is there for the Tide expected to be in the college football playoff.
Alabama has outright lost twice this season as a double-digit favorite, and is just 5-5 ATS in its last 10 games as a double-digit favorite. Whoever does play for Michigan will give it's all, as this is a prideful program, and it is going up against a powerhouse. This line feels a bit inflated and a slight overreaction to all of the guys out for Michigan. I'll grab the points with the Wolverines.
Randy’s Pick Michigan Wolverines +14.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
