The ReliaQuest Bowl became the unlikely backdrop to a behemoth clash. A pair of bluebloods, albeit a little down from their apex, gracing the surface. Michigan vs. Alabama is an opportunity for both schools to salvage what was an underwhelming season. Instead of a playoff push, they’re here to at least finish strong. Both teams are dealing with first-year head coaches trying to fill some pretty big shoes, with Sherrone Moore and Kalen DeBoer hoping to avoid ending the season with more disappointment in a year that’s been full of it.

A storm has arrived in Tampa, but one that’s neither crimson red nor maize and blue. An actual storm, which has rendered the occasion bleaker than it was. Videos are surfacing of fans emptying their seats and returning to the concourse merely 30 minutes away from kickoff. Those who made the long trips, especially up from Ann Arbor, have had their parade quite literally rained on.

It seems that the elements will indeed show respite, and the game should proceed as expected. But the forecast is still not very good. A lot of eyes are peeled on this one, and you’d hope for the best. Another facet to consider is that the risk of injuries is incrementally up. For a Bowl game right before some players turn pro, that’s a nightmare. A lot of players on both sides with NFL ambitions have opted out, but a few big names are still poised to play.

Over on the Michigan side, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josiah Stewart have opted out and won’t feature. The trio has declared for the Draft and bid farewell to the program. In their absence, T.J. Guy and Derrick Moore are playing as edge rushers, rather expectantly. As well as Rayshaun Benny and Trey Pierce at D-tackle. It’s unclear who’ll take the onus from Will Johnson in the secondary, who’s also opted out.

For Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama side, this isn’t as much of an issue. They’ll be relatively whole. As a result, Bama is over 2-touchdown favorites to beat a depleted Wolverine outfit. The Alabama faithful will, however, be seeing some of their stars line up for their program one final time. This includes QB1 Jalen Milroe. He has expressed his feelings ahead of this Michigan vs Alabama ReliaQuest Bowl game.

Michigan vs Alabama will be an emotional farewell for outgoing star

Jalen Milroe is in a bit of a conundrum, which most college athletes of his ilk face at some stage. He can either declare for the NFL Draft or return to college for another year. One facet of his future that is quite certain, though, is that it won’t continue in Tuscaloosa. He’s primed to hit the transfer portal instead if he decides to forego the draft. In a pre-game interview, Milroe was asked about bidding adieu.

“The best thing for me was just the support system of my coaching staff, and just along the way, having the great fan base of Alabama,” said a reminiscent Milroe. “Playing at Brian Denny’s like no other. Every moment I had being a starting quarterback at Alabama, I didn’t take for granted. So it’s just something special. Being able to wear the strip, be a quarterback for this great state and represent my family.” 

He’ll be at the forefront of the lot, hoping the weather clears up and he gets to play this game. Even though Alabama is a huge favorite, the result can’t be considered a foregone conclusion. Bowl games can spew up some randomness. Not to mention what Michigan did to a fellow blueblood the last time they were such massive underdogs in The Game vs Ohio State.