Here are our three best Alabama vs. Michigan ReliaQuest Bowl bets you should make now
Alabama (9-3) closes the season against Michigan (7-5) in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31, and the Crimson Tide will have revenge on their minds. The Wolverines notched an overtime victory when they last faced Alabama in the Rose Bowl semifinal of the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer should also be motivated after Michigan beat DeBoer and Washington in the national championship. However, it’s safe to assume DeBoer didn’t have the ReliaQuest Bowl written on his dream board when he came to Tuscaloosa last offseason.
Despite failing to meet expectations this season, there’s still value in taking down the Wolverines. Alabama has won at least 10 games in 16 consecutive seasons, and ending that streak in DeBoer’s first year would leave a bad taste this offseason.
The Tide is between a 10.5-point favorite (Alabama is an 11-point favorite in some spots) and as high as a -430 moneyline favorite at FanDuel. Here are the three Alabama vs. Michigan bets you should make today.
Alabama vs. Michigan predictions and best bets
Alabama -10.5
Best odds: -115 at BetMGM
Alabama won’t have two of its best defensive backs for the ReliaQuest Bowl. Strong safety Malachi Moore is out due to injury and CB DeVonta Smith is reportedly transferring to Notre Dame. While it’s unfortunate to lose them, it may not matter against Michigan’s uninspiring offense.
The Wolverines have one of the worst passing attacks in FBS, and it won’t get better without star TE Colston Loveland. RB Donovan Edwards is also out, as the pair get ready for the NFL Draft.
Michigan’s two best defensive players, DL Mason Graham and CB Will Johnson, are also opting out. Meanwhile, most of Alabama’s difference-making players, including QB Jalen Milroe, plan to suit up on New Year’s Eve.
The Wolverines’ disappointing season was salvaged with a win over Ohio State. After that emotional high, the Wolverines could have a rough showing now that the focus has shifted to 2025.
Michigan under 15.5 points
Best odds: -114 at FanDuel
Alabama’s defense was shaky at points this season but a strong end to the year should inspire confidence in this wager. The Crimson Tide surrendered 14 points or less in four of the final five games, and Michigan only scores 22 points per game.
The unit will face further limitations without Loveland and Edwards. It’ll be interesting to see who QB Davis Warren targets, considering Loveland and WR Tyler Morris are the only Wolverines with more than 140 receiving yards. Morris is also inactive after entering the transfer portal.
QB Alex Orji occasionally subbed in to add a running threat, but he’s unavailable. It’ll all be on the shoulders of Warren, who has six touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Under 43.5 total points
Best odds: -112 at DraftKings
Most of Alabama’s players appear to be gearing up for the ReliaQuest Bowl. One of the most notable opt-outs on offense was third-leading rusher RB Justice Haynes. Top RB Jam Miller is expected to play, and the Crimson Tide offense should still perform well.
WRs Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard have been a strong duo for Milroe. Bernard went for a season-high 111 yards against Auburn, and Williams leads Alabama with 857 yards and eight touchdowns.
With Graham out of the lineup for Michigan, Milroe should find room to run. He’ll carry positive momentum after tallying 360 total yards and three touchdowns in the Iron Bowl. Expect Alabama to put up points while Michigan fails to do its part to hit the over.