Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host a thrilling matchup between No. 11 Alabama and Michigan in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl. Scheduled to kick off on Tuesday at noon ET, this game promises to be a spectacle, airing live on ESPN. With Alabama entering as a significant -15 favorite and an over/under set at 44.5, fans are eager to see how this clash unfolds.
Michigan’s Quarterback Dilemma
As anticipation builds, one of the most pressing questions surrounding the Wolverines is the status of their starting quarterback, Davis Warren. Currently, Warren is weighing his options regarding the transfer portal, especially in light of Michigan’s recent signing of the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class, freshman Bryce Underwood. Despite this uncertainty, Warren is expected to take the field as the starter in the ReliaQuest Bowl, which adds another layer of intrigue to the game.
Projected Starting Lineup for Michigan
Let’s delve into the projected starting lineup and depth chart for Michigan as they prepare for this crucial bowl game.
Offensive Positions
-
QB (Quarterback):
- Starter: Davis Warren
- 2nd: Alex Orji (Probable)
-
RB (Running Back):
- Starter: Donovan Edwards (Out)
- 2nd: Kalel Mullings (Doubtful)
- 3rd: Benjamin Hall (Questionable)
- Reserve: Cole Cabana (Out)
-
WR-X (Wide Receiver X):
- Starter: Kendrick Bell
- 2nd: Fredrick Moore
- 3rd: Amorion Walker (Out)
-
WR-Z (Wide Receiver Z):
- Starter: Peyton O’Leary
- 2nd: C.J. Charleston
- 3rd: Dale Chesson
-
WR-SL (Slot Wide Receiver):
- Starter: Tyler Morris (Questionable)
- 2nd: Semaj Morgan (Likely to start if Morris is unavailable)
- 3rd: I’Marion Stewart
-
TE (Tight End):
- Starter: Colston Loveland (Out)
- 2nd: Max Bredeson (Likely to start in place of Loveland)
- 3rd: Marlin Klein
- Offensive Line:
- LT (Left Tackle): Myles Hinton
- LG (Left Guard): Josh Priebe
- C (Center): Greg Crippen
- RG (Right Guard): Giovanni El-Hadi
- RT (Right Tackle): Evan Link
This lineup showcases the depth and talent of Michigan’s offense, even with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
Defensive Strengths of the Wolverines
On the defensive side, Michigan also boasts a formidable lineup that aims to stifle Alabama’s potent offense.
Defensive Positions
-
DE (Defensive End):
- Starter: Cameron Brandt
-
NT (Nose Tackle):
- Starter: Kenneth Grant
- 2nd: Trey Pierce
- 3rd: Alessandro Lorenzetti
-
DT (Defensive Tackle):
- Starter: Mason Graham
- 2nd: Rayshaun Benny
- 3rd: Ike Iwunnah
-
Linebackers:
- LOLB (Left Outside Linebacker): Josaiah Stewart
- MLB (Middle Linebacker): Jaishawn Barham
- WLB (Weakside Linebacker): Ernest Hausmann
- Secondary:
- LCB (Left Cornerback): Jyaire Hill
- RCB (Right Cornerback): Aamir Hall
- SS (Strong Safety): Makari Paige
- FS (Free Safety): Quinten Johnson
- NB (Nickelback): Zeke Berry
This defensive lineup is crucial for Michigan as they face a high-powered Alabama offense, and their performance will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.
Special Teams Ready for Action
Special teams can often be the unsung heroes in a game, and Michigan is no exception. Here’s a look at their special teams setup:
Special Teams
-
PT (Punter):
- Starter: Tommy Doman
- 2nd: Charlie Mentzer
- 3rd: Stone Anderson
-
PK (Placekicker):
- Starter: Dominic Zvada
- 2nd: Adam Samaha (Out)
- 3rd: Hudson Hollenbeck
- KO (Kickoff Specialist): Tommy Doman
-
LS (Long Snapper):
- Starter: William Wagner
- 2nd: Greg Tarr
- 3rd: Evan Boutorwick
-
PR (Punt Returner):
- Starter: Semaj Morgan
- 2nd: Tyler Morris (Questionable)
- KR (Kick Returner):
- Starter: Kalel Mullings (Doubtful)
- 2nd: Tyler Morris (Likely to replace Mullings if unavailable)
With this comprehensive lineup, Michigan is poised to give Alabama a run for their money. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to make a statement in this bowl game.
As fans gear up for this exciting encounter, the question remains: Can Michigan overcome their injury challenges and deliver a performance that surprises the college football world? With so much on the line, the ReliaQuest Bowl is sure to be a game to remember!
