The Alabama Crimson Tide were defeated by the Michigan Wolverines 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. As a result, social media has been discussing what the correct path forward is for the Crimson Tide following the loss, with one individual explaining how strength of schedule needs to be further taken into account for bowl games.
In the game, the Crimson Tide offense struggled to find their footing from the start. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe only completed 50% of his passes for 192 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In addition, the Crimson Tide totaled just 68 yards rushing the ball, with Jamarion Miller leading the way with only 28 yards on the ground.
Social Media Reaction to Alabama Loss
Popular ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum posted the postgame press conference of Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer on his social media platform.
“Kalen DeBoer laments Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, looks toward next year,” Finebaum detailed.
Kalen DeBoer laments Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, looks toward next year: pic.twitter.com/SVmEED5if2
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) December 31, 2024
In response, one user detailed their belief that strength of schedule should play a larger role in who plays who in bowl games.
“We need to take a huge step back and evaluate strength of schedule. Michigan had no right to be in the reliaquest bowl against a superior Alabama….,” they outlined.
We need to take a huge step back and evaluate strength of schedule. Michigan had no right to be in the reliaquest bowl against a superior Alabama….
— Bo Mamba (@BoMamba69) December 31, 2024
Meanwhile, one individual took a shot at those who believed that Alabama should have qualified for the College Football Playoff.
“What happened? This was the team that should’ve been in?” they detailed.
What happened? This was the team that should’ve been in?
— bradyferron (@bradyferron) January 1, 2025
Finally, one user expressed their surprise in Michigan defeating Alabama twice in 2024.
Michigan beating bama and deboer twice each in the same calendar year is not something i saw coming.
— Bo (@tivaking777) January 1, 2025
“Michigan beating bama and deboer twice each in the same calendar year is not something i saw coming,” they explained.
Are the Crimson Tide Losing Players to the NFL?
In addition to the disappointing loss against the Wolverines, it appears that the Crimson Tide will have a lot of turnover at the end of the season.
In College Football Network’s recent 7-round NFL Mock Draft by Cam Mellor, nine Crimson Tide players were taken in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
The highest-drafted player was guard Tyler Booker, who just managed to make it into the first round at No. 17 overall with his selection by the Arizona Cardinals.
Elsewhere, Mellor projected Milroe at No. 32 to the Cleveland Browns, LB Jihaad Campbell (No. 35 overall, Jacksonville Jaguars), CB Domani Jackson (No. 86 overall, Denver Broncos), G Jaeden Roberts (No. 87 overall, New Orleans Saints), LB Deontae Lawson (No. 88, Baltimore Ravens), and S Keon Sabb (No. 99, Miami Dolphins) to be selected within the top 100.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.