Alabama football needs to add this report card to the “learn from” file.

Otherwise it’s just a report card worth throwing away.

Alabama went into the game a considerable favorite, especially with a handful of Michigan players opting out. But after a disastrous first quarter, the Crimson Tide couldn’t find a way to complete the comeback.

Michigan defeated Alabama 19-13 on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa for the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Here are our grades for the Crimson Tide (9-4) in the season finale.

Offense: D

The first quarter couldn’t have been much uglier. First, Alabama turned the ball over on downs. Then it fumbled the first snap of the next drive. Then Jalen Milroe threw an interception the second play of the next drive. Then Milroe was sacked and fumbled on the next drive, the very first play. Michigan only managed to turn that into a 16-0 lead, but it could have been way worse. Weather certainly didn’t help, but Alabama can’t use that as an excuse.

Thanks to the defense, the game wasn’t over despite those first-quarter struggles. The Alabama offense fought back in the second quarter to score 10 points; that’s the only reason this grade isn’t an F. But then in the second half, Alabama punted twice and turned the ball over on downs twice over five possessions.

Despite all the struggles, the Alabama offense still had a chance to win the game late. Then, in the red zone, the Crimson Tide saw four consecutive passes fall incomplete. Michigan kneeled out to win the game.

This loss falls on the offense more than any group.

Defense: A-

When Michigan was being gift-wrapped field position as Alabama turned the ball over, the Crimson Tide defense didn’t give up much anything. In those non-turnover drives, the Wolverines only scored once in 10 possessions, and that was a field goal. Zabien Brown also grabbed an interception. Time and time again, the defense was put in a tough position by the offense. Time and time again, the defense stepped up. This loss wasn’t on the defense.

Special teams: B+

Kicker Graham Nicholson made all of his kicks, including a 51-yard field goal when Alabama needed it late to make it a one-score game. James Burnip averaged 51 yards per punt. There were some questionable punt return choices, though. That’s a blemish on the grade for a group that was otherwise solid on the day.

Overall: F

Consider this less so an average of the other grades and more so just an overall assessment of the result. Alabama should not have lost this game. No if ands or buts.

The Crimson Tide did not have any opt outs. Other than season-ending injuries (Malachi Moore, Deontae Lawson), the best players played.

Meanwhile Michigan had a number of opt outs, including some of their best players such as Will Johnson, Mason Graham and Colston Loveland.

Yet Alabama walked out of the ReliaQuest Bowl without a victory.

That’s unacceptable.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.