Alabama rallied from what could be arguably the worst offensive quarter in team history Tuesday against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa and turned a laughable display of football into a competitive game in about five minutes.

Kalen DeBoer’s offense in the first quarter ran 15 plays for -2 yards, had three fumbles (two were lost), and an interception was added to the mix. Jalen Milroe had three turnovers alone.

“Obviously, we dug ourselves a hole there early,” DeBoer told the Crimson Tide Sports Network at halftime. “That was some crazy rain there, but there’s no excuses. We spotted them some points.”

After the initial hemorrhaging, the Tide settled in the final six minutes of the second quarter. By the end of the half, the Tide rolled up 10 points and 163 total yards, while holding Michigan to 109 yards.

“Defense is doing a good job of holding them in check,” DeBoer said. “We have to be ready for some trick plays, gimmick plays. They have to manufacture some explosive plays.”

With 5:56 left in the half, Alabama took over on its 29-yard line. Rico Scott carried for 28 yards before CJ Dippre caught a pass, fumbled and right tackle Elijah Pritchett recovered. Then, Jalen Milroe hits Robbie Ouzts for a 25-yard TD pass.

With 58 seconds left, Alabama got a 41-yard run to the Michigan 46-yard line. Next play, Milroe found Germie Bernard, who got down to the 6. Graham Nicholson hit a 24-yard field goal to make 16-10.

“Offensively, we have to keep plugging away,” DeBoer said. “That was a great drive right there (at the end). It showed a lot of heart right there.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.