Alabama, the first team left out of the College Football Playoff, was favored by more than two touchdowns but was stymied on offense.

Michigan’s defense sacked Jalen Milroe five times and forced three turnovers by the Alabama quarterback to lead the Wolverines to a 19-13 victory over the 11th-ranked Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Five Free Press sports writers have some thoughts about whether Michigan football can pick off Alabama in Tuesday's ReliaQuest Bowl.

The Wolverines also have another linebacker that Alabama fans need to know Jaishawn Barham, a junior as well. Barham, a transfer from the Maryland Terrapins, is Michigan’s second-leading tackler at 65 for the season, while also having recorded four TFL, one sack, and two PD in what is one of the top years of his collegiate career so far.

A year removed from winning the national championship, Michigan finished its first season under Sherrone Moore with a victory setting the tone for a bright future. Moore replaced Jim Harbaugh after the former U of M coach left for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers last winter.

Here's what to know about the series history between Michigan and Alabama, including all-time meetings and record, ahead of Tuesday's ReliaQuest Bowl game:

Year one of the Kalen DeBoer era ended with a dud on New Year's Eve as the Alabama football team lost as big favorites in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan. The Crimson Tide lost to the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal on the first day of 2024,