Michigan Wolverines vs Alabama Crimson Tide Picks and Predictions December 31st 2024

Michigan Wolverines vs Alabama Crimson Tide December 31st 2024

ESPN will be covering the matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines, set for 12:00 ET on Tuesday, December 31st, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Even though Michigan is technically the home team, this is being played on a neutral site. Alabama comes in with a 9-3 record, while Michigan is 7-5. The over/under line is 43.5 points, and Alabama is the heavy favorite at -11.5 points.

Alabama vs. Michigan Key Information

Alabama enters Week 1 against Michigan with a 9-3 record, going 6-0 at home and 2-3 on the road. They’ve been favored in 10 of their 12 games, holding a 7-3 record as the favorite. At home, they’ve gone 5-0 when favored.

Their ATS record is 6-5, with a 4-2 mark at home and 2-3 on the road. Alabama is 5-5 against the spread as the favorite, and they have a +18.2 average scoring margin this season.

This week’s over/under line is 43.5, the lowest they’ve faced this season. Alabama’s games have averaged 52.8 points, with an average over/under line of 53.8 points.

Alabama’s offense is averaging 35.5 points per game, placing them 15th in the nation, and we have them ranked 13th in our offensive power rankings. Jalen Milroe has thrown for 2,657 yards, completing 66% of his passes, with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 98.

The Crimson Tide are 48th in passing yards per game, averaging 240.5 yards, and they rank 11th in third-down conversions, converting 48.7% of their attempts. Jam Miller leads the rushing attack with 641 yards and seven touchdowns. Ryan Williams has 857 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 45 catches.

Today’s Winning NCAA Football Picks! Check out NCAA football spread picks for smart choices.

Alabama’s defense has been strong this season, ranking 8th nationally by allowing just 17.2 points per game. In their recent game against Auburn, they gave up 14 points, while allowing 399 total yards, including 301 passing yards. However, they also forced two interceptions in the game.

Opponents have averaged 141.9 rushing yards per game on 35.9 attempts against Alabama’s defense. Through the air, quarterbacks have managed a 61% completion rate and a 73.4 passer rating, averaging 191.2 passing yards per game.

Michigan enters Week 13 against Alabama with a 7-5 record. They’ve been strong at home, going 6-2, but have struggled on the road with a 1-3 mark. The Wolverines are 5-1 as favorites but 2-4 as underdogs this season.

Their ATS record stands at 5-7, with a +1.8 average scoring margin. Michigan is 2-4 against the spread as favorites and 3-3 as underdogs.

Michigan’s over/under record is 7-5, with their games averaging 42.8 points. This week’s line is 43.5, slightly above their average line of 42.1 points.

Heading into week 1, Michigan’s offense is ranked 79th in our offensive power rankings, and they are 82nd in points per game, scoring 22.2. Their passing game has struggled, averaging just 133.6 yards per game, which ranks 127th nationally. Davis Warren, their quarterback, has thrown for 1,126 yards with six touchdowns and nine interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 69.

Michigan is 98th in passing attempts per game, and they are 80th in completions. On third downs, they have converted 43.1% of their attempts, ranking 37th. On the ground, they are averaging 161.3 rushing yards per game. Kalel Mullings leads the rushing attack with 948 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 5 yards per carry.

Tired Of Losing Close Games?

Get Proven NCAAF Strategies Today!

Sign Up Now!

Michigan’s defense was key in their 13-10 win over Ohio State, allowing just 10 points and forcing two interceptions. They limited Ohio State to 252 total yards, including 77 rushing yards on 26 attempts and 175 passing yards.

On the season, Michigan ranks 8th nationally, giving up just 93.2 rushing yards per game. They’ve allowed 218.3 passing yards per game and rank 19th in points allowed, giving up 20.5 points per game.

Our projection for the Alabama vs. Michigan week one matchup is a 27-21 win for Alabama. Michigan, however, is the +11.5 point underdog, and we expect them to cover the spread.

With the over/under line set at 43.5 points, our projection of 48 total points suggests that taking the over is the best play.

Encore Sets Up Vastly Differently for No. 11 Alabama, Michigan

A year ago, Alabama and Michigan clashed as part of the College Football Playoff, with the Wolverines claiming their first-ever national title. This year, the two storied programs meet again, but in a vastly different context: the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday.

Alabama Aiming to Salvage Season with 10 Wins

Alabama (9-3), ranked No. 11, just missed the expanded 12-team playoff and is now focused on extending its streak of 10-win seasons to 17. Despite falling short of championship aspirations, the Crimson Tide are determined to make the most of this postseason opportunity.

“One of the goals that is left to achieve is reaching 10 wins,” said standout guard Tyler Booker. “That’s at the forefront of our minds right now.”

The Crimson Tide face challenges, particularly in the secondary. All-American safety Malachi Moore recently underwent season-ending surgery, joining Keon Sabb on the injured list. Additionally, safety DeVonta Smith transferred to Notre Dame. To add to the turmoil, Alabama has lost two players to Michigan via the transfer portal: defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr. and running back Justice Haynes.

Richard Young, who has tallied 140 yards on 25 carries, is expected to step up in Haynes’ absence. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, the team’s leading rusher with 719 yards and 20 touchdowns, will continue to anchor the offense. Milroe has also thrown for 2,652 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

Michigan’s Tumultuous Season

Michigan (7-5) has seen a steep decline since last season’s title run, and several key players are opting out of the bowl game. Running back Kalel Mullings, who leads the team with 948 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, declared for the NFL draft on Friday. Second-string rusher Donovan Edwards (589 yards) opted out earlier.

Defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, cornerback Will Johnson, and tight end Colston Loveland also opted for the draft, leaving significant gaps in the lineup.

Quarterback Davis Warren has had an up-and-down year, throwing more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (six). Complicating his future, Michigan signed top 2025 recruit Bryce Underwood, who is expected to start upon arrival. Despite uncertainty, Warren remains focused on the upcoming game.

“He’s been clear that he cares about me and wants what’s best for me,” Warren said of coach Sherrone Moore. “I know in this day and age what that looks like.”

A Special Opportunity for Rayshaun Benny

One Michigan player with extra motivation is defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny, who broke his leg in the first quarter of last year’s matchup against Alabama. For Benny, this game represents a personal redemption.

Your Next Big Win Starts With Our Expert Betting Guide.

“I didn’t get a chance to play last year, so this will be my national championship,” Benny said.

A Storied Bowl History

This marks the seventh all-time meeting between the programs, with the series tied at 3-3. Five of their previous encounters have come in bowl games, including two in Tampa. Alabama won the 1997 Outback Bowl, while Michigan claimed the 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl.

While this year’s ReliaQuest Bowl lacks the stakes of last season’s CFP semifinal, both teams aim to end their campaigns on a high note, fueled by pride and opportunity.