Alabama vs Michigan Odds & Picks: Crimson Tide Out For Revenge From '24 Rose Bowl

On January 1, Michigan defeated Alabama in the Rose Bowl to reach the national championship. The Wolverines (7-5) have the opportunity to end 2024 the same way it started, with a win over the Crimson Tide (9-3). To do so, though, would mean winning outright as 14.5-point underdogs according to FanDuel's odds.

Both of these blue blood programs had College Football Playoff aspirations, but Michigan can hang its hat on a fourth straight win over Ohio State. Alabama, meanwhile, needs a win to close out a disappointing first year under Kalen DeBoer. Can that motivation, plus the opportunity to exact revenge, be enough to get the Crimson Tide to the finish line? Let’s dive into the matchup and find out.

ReliaQuest Bowl - Alabama vs Michigan Odds

Alabama vs Michigan, Dec. 31, 12:00 pm ET

Odds as of Dec. 30 at FanDuel

ReliaQuest Bowl - Alabama vs Michigan Picks

Alabama 1Q -3.5 (-104) at FanDuel

As always during bowl season, any handicap has to start with which players will actually be on the field for their respective team. For Michigan, much of the remaining core that won the national championship will not be playing on Tuesday. Stud defensive linemen Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josiah Stewart have opted out for the NFL Draft, as have cornerback Will Johnson, tight end Colston Loveland, left tackle Myles Hinton, and running backs Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings.

Meanwhile, most of Alabama’s potential opt-outs are expected to play in this bowl game. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, guard Tyler Booker, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and cornerback Domani Jackson have all said they’re planning on playing. The Crimson Tide will, however, be without linebacker Deontae Lawson and safeties Keon Sabb and Malachi Moore, who are injured.

Milroe will be hungry for revenge against the Wolverines after former Alabama center Seth McLaughlin’s low snap created a 4th & Goal game-winning stop in overtime of the Rose Bowl. Milroe was held in check in that game, finishing with a combined 179 passing and rushing yards, but this version of the Michigan defense is much less potent after losing 12 of the 13 players who saw 30+ snaps in that game.

Some of the depth in the Crimson Tide receiving room has been lost to injuries and the portal, but Ryan Williams will look to make a strong closing statement after a stellar true freshman season with 857 yards and eight touchdowns. Alabama will be without running back Justice Haynes, who transferred to Michigan, but Jam Miller is returning to the Crimson Tide next season and will play here.

Michigan will get a long look at running back Jordan Marshall in this game as a former top-100 recruit looking to stake his claim to the starting running back spot heading into next season. He’ll be asked to handle a significant workload as the Wolverines will start Davis Warren for a final time this season after a disappointing season with six touchdowns and nine interceptions. After offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell was dismissed, tight ends coach Steve Casula will serve as the interim OC.

The spread has continued to move towards Alabama in this game due to the news regarding player availability on both sides, and the Crimson Tide should be the much more motivated team in this game. However, the best bet on the board is the first-quarter spread, where Kalen DeBoer’s opening script has been deadly and will overpower a gutted Michigan defense. Don’t expect much early success for the Wolverines' offense despite the Crimson Tide's defensive absences, either.

Alabama vs Michigan Prop Picks

Jalen Milroe 60+ Rushing Yards (+120) at FanDuel

After heartbreakingly losing to Michigan in the Rose Bowl last year, Jalen Milroe has a bone to pick with the Wolverines in this revenge game opportunity. Michigan’s elite defensive line has been gutted in this matchup, and the defense is missing 12 of the 13 players who played 30+ snaps in the Rose Bowl last year.

The Crimson Tide’s inside zone rushing scheme should be in full force, with Milroe’s legs playing a massive role in a smash spot for the Alabama offense.

ReliaQuest Bowl - Alabama vs Michigan Betting Trends