The final game of the 2024 Michigan football season will be played on Tuesday in Tampa, Florida. The Michigan Wolverines will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
It's going to be a difficult matchup for the Wolverines. Most of their star players have already opted for the NFL draft and won't be playing in this game. That includes Michigan football players such as Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Will Johnson, Colston Loveland, Josaiah Stewart, Kalel Mullings, and more.
Alabama will be without a few players but for the most part, the Crimson Tide will be at full strentgh in search of win No. 10. Michigan football is looking to a win third straight to close out 2024 on a high note, and here are three things to watch.
Can Michigan football run the ball?
Jordan Marshall will get the start against Alabama. Benjamin Hall will also get some carries, but Marshall, the starter on Tuesday, got just eight carries throughout the season.
It will truly be a trial by fire. The offensive has shuffled some things around too. Evan Link is starting at left tackle for Myles Hinton and Andrew Sprague, a true freshman, will start at right tackle.
I'll be keeping a close eye on those guys but in terms of having a chance to win this game, if Michigan fooball doesn't run for 150-200 yards, it won't have a shot.
Can the defensive line hold up?
I'm excited to see how some of the younger defensive lineman play in this game. The Wolverines will have Derrick Moore, T.J. Guy and Rayshaun Benny, along with Trey Pierce, Cameron Brandt, and Enow Etta, among others, who will play a lot.
Pierce is someone I'll be watching closely because the Wolverines have a huge need at defensive tackle. If he can be an effective player, that would be huge and it will be great to see what all of these guys can do in extended action against an SEC powerhouse.
What about the passing game?
Here's another thing to watch: Can Michigan football complete a pass? Loveland is out and Tyler Morris is in the transfer portal. The receivers are thin with Semaj Morgan, Fred Moore, Peyton O'Leary, and Amorion Walker, along with freshmen Channing Goodwin and I'Marion Stewart.
Marlin Klein stepped up with some key catches against Ohio State. Hogan Hansen too and it feels like the tight end position is still the best way to move the ball through the air.
The running game will have to work to have a chance at an upset, but Davis Warren will need to throw for over 100 yards and avoid interceptions like he had against Ohio State. Michigan football doesn't have the same defense, so it will have less room for error if it wants to keep this competitive.
One bold prediction
Jordan Marshall might be the best playmaker the Wolverines have on offense against Alabama and he'll finish the ReliaQuest Bowl with more than 100 total yards from scrimmage.