3 thoughts on Michigan football against Alabama in Reliaquest Bowl

Dating back to the 1996 season, Alabama and Michigan football have played in four bowl games. On December 31, the Wolverines and Crimson Tide will make it five.

Both teams have won two games in that stretch. Alabama won the Reliaquest Bowl and the Citrus Bowl over Michigan football. The Wolverines beat Alabama in last year's Rose Bowl. Tom Brady also led Michigan to an Orange Bowl win over the Tide in 2000.

When the Alabama-Michigan matchup became possible, it was probably too hard for bowl executives to pass up. The ratings will be great and here are three thoughts on Michigan football playing Alabama in the Reliaquest Bowl.

Always a fun matchup

Michigan and Alabama are two of the biggest brands in college football. They have also played some exciting bowl games. Two of the four (of the five) bowl games went to overtime.

Both teams are loaded with NFL talent. Alabama will be disappointed playing this game. Michigan also wasn't expected to be here but this game gives Michigan football a chance to play its way into the final Top 25 and end the season on a high note.

Well, a really high note since they already saved their season with the upset of Ohio State.

Who is going to play?

One of the key storylines of this game is going to be who plays? Michigan football had three defensive lineman who could be first-round picks and I would be surprised if any of them played in this game.

Colston Loveland and Will Johnson don't have any reason to play either. Hopefully, Michigan can convince guys like Derrick Moore, Rod Moore, Jaishawn Barham, Ernest Hausmann, and Rayshaun Benny to return. All of those guys, outside of Rod Moore could play in this game.

I hope that Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards play too. I don't see why they wouldn't, if healthy, but Jordan Marshall could use some carries too.

Winning this game does mean something but not as much when you consider who will and won't be on the field for both teams.

A chance for young guys to shine

Michigan football is expected to be active in the transfer portal. The Wolverines need to fill some holes and upgrade some positions after last season.

Jordan Marshall might get a chance to show what he can do. Hogan Hansen is another name that comes to mind. He was open a couple of times in the Ohio State game.

Some of the younger defensive lineman could also lay claim to future playing time, while others like Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill will try to improve for next season.

Michigan should look a lot different next season and this game will be a reflection of that