TAMPA, Fla. (WBRC) – With just three yards to go on fourth down, Alabama’s offense faced a critical moment in overtime. The entire season hinged on that single play.
Jalen Milroe took the snap and collided with a wall of Michigan defenders, coming up short.
That play marked the end of Alabama’s 2023 season and, likely, Nick Saban’s tenure as head coach.
Michigan, which defeated Alabama, went on to claim the CFP National Championship.
After Alabama was left out of the College Football Playoff in favor of ACC runner-up SMU, fans can take some solace in the chance to face Michigan again.
However, this isn’t the same Michigan team that beat Alabama on January 1, 2023, in Pasadena. Despite a victory over Ohio State, Michigan has struggled under first-year coach Sherrone Moore, sitting at 7-5 and unranked.
On the other hand, Alabama, reeling from losses to Vanderbilt, unranked Oklahoma, and Tennessee—who lost to Ohio State in the Playoff—didn’t make the 12-team playoff. But under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Tide now aims to finish the season on a high note by facing the team that knocked them out of the Playoff last year.
ReliaQuest Bowl Details
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Date: Tuesday, January 31 – 11 a.m.
Broadcast: ABC
Weather: Expect sunny skies after a morning fog advisory, with temperatures in the 70s and light southwest winds.
History: The ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly the Outback Bowl) has seen Alabama and Michigan square off twice before. The Wolverines won in 1988, while the Tide triumphed in 1997. This year marks the seventh appearance for Michigan in this bowl, with the all-time series tied at 3-3.
Stadium Info: Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has hosted the game since 1999. Seating capacity is 65,000, with all tickets being mobile for 2024.
Ticket Info: For parking and additional details, visit ReliaQuestBowl.com.
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