The Alabama Crimson Tide faced a disappointing end to their season in the Reliaquest Bowl, falling to the Michigan Wolverines with a score of 19-13. While the final score appears close, the reality of the game told a different story, as Alabama struggled significantly throughout the match. To add to their woes, Kalen DeBoer lost a key player, star linebacker Jihaad Campbell, to an upper-body injury, further complicating their efforts on the field.
It was a perfect example of pathetic fallacy for Alabama during the Reliaquest Bowl. The weather mirrored the Tide’s struggles, as torrential rain fell at Raymond James Stadium in the first quarter, creating chaos for Alabama’s offense. In a nightmarish start, Jalen Milroe committed three turnovers within his first ten plays—an interception and two fumbles—allowing Michigan to seize an early 16-0 lead. How could a team with such high expectations falter so dramatically?
As the rain subsided, the sun broke through the clouds, and Alabama attempted to mount a comeback. However, the team faced another devastating blow when Campbell suffered his injury, sidelining him for the second half. Campbell, who had already made ten tackles in the first half, was playing through what would become his final college football game. His absence was felt deeply as the Tide tried to regroup.
Despite the injury, Campbell remained on the sidelines, supporting his teammates as they fought to turn the game around. Unfortunately, the first-half deficit proved insurmountable, and Alabama left the field with a bitter taste of defeat.
Jalen Milroe’s disastrous outing
During what could have been his last game in an Alabama uniform, Jalen Milroe delivered a performance that fell far short of expectations. The Tide’s quarterback finished with 192 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, his game was marred by a disastrous first quarter that set the tone for the rest of the match.
Under the relentless downpour, Milroe struggled mightily, committing three costly turnovers in Alabama’s territory. These mistakes were pivotal in determining the outcome of the game. Even when the weather cleared, Milroe’s accuracy remained a challenge, leading to frustration among his teammates. Could he have done more to rally his team in such a critical moment?
Milroe had a chance to erase his earlier mistakes with a potential game-winning drive, but the offense stalled in the red zone. Michigan’s defense held firm, and the Wolverines left Tampa with a well-earned victory. If Milroe decides to declare for the NFL Draft, this lackluster outing could significantly impact his draft stock. Although Michigan’s defense is recognized as one of the best in the NCAA, Milroe’s performance raises questions about his readiness for the next level.
10-win season streak comes to an end
This season marked a disappointing chapter for Kalen DeBoer in his inaugural year at Alabama. The Crimson Tide not only failed to reach the SEC Championship but also missed out on the 12-team College Football Playoffs. Most notably, they saw their remarkable streak of 16 consecutive seasons with at least ten wins come to an end.
Alabama had not experienced a season with fewer than ten wins since 2007. The question now lingers: was this streak a testament to the strength of the Alabama program, or was it simply a reflection of the coaching prowess of Nick Saban? The Tide’s struggles this season have left fans wondering what the future holds.
As for Michigan, they concluded 2024 in a familiar fashion. The Wolverines started the year with a victory over Alabama at the Rose Bowl, propelling them to the National Championship. Ending the year with another win against the Tide, even in a less pivotal matchup, solidified their status as a formidable opponent in college football.
Looking ahead for Alabama
The road ahead for Alabama is now filled with uncertainty. With their 10-win season streak snapped and a disappointing bowl game performance, fans are left to ponder the future of the program. Will DeBoer be able to turn things around next season? Can Milroe bounce back and prove his worth as a quarterback?
As the Crimson Tide reflect on this season, they must regroup and address the challenges that lie ahead. With a storied history and a passionate fan base, Alabama has the potential to rise once again. The question remains: how quickly can they bounce back from this setback and reclaim their place among college football’s elite?
The passion for college football runs deep, and while this season may have ended in disappointment, the hope for a brighter future remains alive in Tuscaloosa. The Tide will need to harness that energy and determination to forge ahead and restore their winning legacy.
