Get set for the ReliaQuest Bowl featuring the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines. Alabama (9-3) finished fourth in the SEC standings, while defending NCAA champion Michigan (7-5) finished sixth in the Big Ten.

Join me as I share my best predictions and college football picks for the ReliaQuest Bowl featuring Alabama vs. Michigan.

Alabama vs. Michigan predictions and best bets

• Under 45.5 -115 at BetMGM
• 1H Game total Under 23.5 -110 at FanDuel
• Alabama -13.5 -105 at Caesars

I don’t expect much of a battle Tuesday between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines.

The Alabama defense is seemingly intact, but the Wolverines’ roster continues to change because of the transfer portal and several NFL-Draft-related opt-outs on both sides of the ball.

Alabama has allowed fewer than 14 points in four of its previous five. The Tide is 50th in rushing yards allowed, but the passing defense has surrendered only a dozen touchdown receptions and 16 interceptions.

The Michigan defense won’t have the same bite as it did during the regular season. They’ll be formidable but missing key pieces to one of the best defensive teams nationally.

The turnovers are part of the deal with Milroe. He threw for 2652 passing yards with 15 scoring strikes and 10 interceptions, along with an additional 719 rushing yards and 20 trips to pay dirt.

The interceptions and poor decisions are why the Crimson Tide missed the playoffs. It’s also why they won’t blow Michigan out on Tuesday.

I expect what’s left of the Wolverine’s defense to break often enough for Alabama to cover the spread, just not rout Michigan.

Flip that around, and Michigan will have trouble moving the ball. Its top two ground gainers opted out, and the Wolverines’ offense wasn’t that good with a full roster.

The Alabama defense is tough and seemingly intact. That’s going to make it rough for the Wolverines’ offense to score, and that’s why I don’t expect Michigan to score enough to affect anything.

Alabama vs. Michigan moneyline odds analysis

Why Alabama could win as the favorite

Best odds: -520 at FanDuel Sportsbook

Jalen Milroe playing a full game is why Alabama could win as the favorite. According to Nick Kelly, the dual-threat Milroe and the rest of the NFL-Draft eligible Crimson Tide players to participate, as they are “here to win,” according to Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.

That spells trouble for Michigan. Milroe has accounted for 35 of Alabama’s 56 offensive touchdowns.

His dual-threat capabilities are elite-Michigan’s defense is also elite, but the Crimson Tide can outscore the Wolverines by two touchdowns. If they do, they will win. The Michigan offense has been the Wolverines’ Achilles’ heel the entire season.

The Crimson Tide boast the 30th-best defense, which can and likely will keep Michigan out of the end zone.

Why Michigan could win as the underdog

Best odds: +430 at Caesars Sportsbook

If Michigan can run the football successfully, they can win the game as an underdog. It’s what Michigan does best, and it’s its only chance of winning. Move the sticks, wind the clock, and play exceptional defense.

The Wolverines have to score the football. That’s something they haven’t done consistently with their top-ground gainers.

Now Michigan is looking at RB3 or deeper, and whoever that is must find pay dirt. Alabama can be beaten on the ground, but the Wolverines’ offensive line has some opt-outs.

The numerous offensive replacements must step up, otherwise, Michigan will have difficulties scoring even once against Alabama.

The Wolverines also must defend without the same unit that got them this far. Milroe and the offense are prone to mistakes, and this Michigan defensive unit must play the game of the season otherwise, they will get routed.