ReliaQuest Bowl Football History: H2H, records, top matchups and more ahead of Alabama vs Michigan

Two storied programs will face off in the ReliaQuest Bowl when the Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines go head-to-head on New Year's Eve. Although both teams earned a berth in the postseason, they finished below expectations in 2024.

Both schools came into the year looking to make the College Football Playoff but will face off at Raymond James Stadium at noon on Dec. 31. The Crimson Tide (9-3) may have been a win away from the CFP, while Michigan (7-5) had a disappointing season, hovering around .500.

The ReliaQuest Bowl dates back to 1986. Formerly known as the Hall of Fame Bowl (1986-1995) and the Outback Bowl (1996-2022), it has always been played in Tampa. From 1986 to 1999 it was held at the old Tampa Stadium, before changing to Raymond James in 2000.

Alabama vs Michigan: Head-to-head record ahead of ReliaQuest Bowl

Michigan beat Alabama in last season's Rose Bowl - Source: Imagn

This game pits two historic programs a year after they met in the CFP semifinals. The Wolverines won that game 27-20 in overtime to tie the series at three wins a piece.

The first matchup was played in 1987, with Michigan winning that one as well 28-14. Alabama would have to wait ten years to tie the series with a 17-10 win in 1997.

Before last year’s Rose Bowl matchup, they met in the 2020 Citrus Bowl with the Crimson Tide prevailing 35-16.

Notable ReliaQuest Bowl records

With almost 40 games played, the ReliaQuest Bowls has become one of the traditional New Year’s Day-New Year’s Eve bowl games.

Michigan will set a new record for participation, as this will be their seventh time making the trip to Tampa, breaking a tie with Iowa and Wisconsin.

Among the most notable -and unbreakable- records, Wisconsin ran for 400 yards in a 2015 victory over Auburn. Melvin Gordon accounted for 251 yards for the individual record.

Northwestern had 621 yards against Auburn in 2010, 532 of them through the air. Ironically, they still lost 38-35 in the highest-scoring edition. Mike Kafka holds the record for passing yards (532) and is tied with three others with four passing touchdowns.

What to watch for Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl?

The Crimson Tide have a new coach, but as was customary with Nick Saban, there are few opt-outs. Jalen Milroe, Jihaad Campbell and Tyler Booker are all expected to play.

Alabama may not have made it to the CFP, but they are still capable of beating anyone. Milroe is likely playing his final college game and will again be the most important offensive player for the tide. On defense, Campbell could also enter the draft. He is a tackling machine and could thrive against the Wolverines' run-first offense.

What to watch for Michigan in ReliaQuest Bowl?

Like Alabama, Michigan underwent a transition after Jim Harbaugh left. New head coach Sherrone Moore struggled to get the team going offensively. With Alabama’s vaunted defense keying on the run, Davis Warren must avoid mistakes in the passing game for the Wolverines to have a chance.

Unlike Bama, Michigan will have some high-profile opt-outs for the ReliaQuest Bowl. Among those expected to miss the game are Mason Graham, Josiah Stewart, Colston Loveland and Myles Hinton.

Who do you think will win when the Alabama Crimson Tide takes on the Michigan Wolverines in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Eve? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.