As Alabama football prepares for its 2024 season finale in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on Tuesday, December 31, there are several key storylines surrounding the Crimson Tide as they look to cap off their campaign with a victory. While this year’s bowl game lacks the College Football Playoff implications that defined the season’s earlier moments, there is still plenty at stake. For one, Alabama is aiming to continue its impressive 10-win season streak that dates back to 2008, a hallmark of sustained excellence for the program.
This matchup in Tampa, Florida provides a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the Crimson Tide as Kalen DeBoer coaches in his first postseason game as head coach. With kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT, the game will be televised on ESPN, marking the end of the season with a crucial opportunity for Alabama to finish strong, especially after a 9-3 regular season that fell short of the high expectations set by the program.
As DeBoer and his staff prepare for the ReliaQuest Bowl, there are still lingering questions about Alabama’s personnel and how they will perform on the big stage. One of the most pressing concerns is the state of Alabama’s wide receiver group, which has been depleted due to injuries and departures from the transfer portal. Here’s a deeper look at the challenges facing Alabama’s offense as they attempt to close the season on a high note.
1. How will the depleted wide receiver group perform?
One of the most significant concerns heading into the ReliaQuest Bowl is Alabama’s thin wide receiver unit. Throughout the 2024 season, the Crimson Tide has been challenged by injuries, and the departure of key players to the transfer portal has only added to the strain. As a result, Alabama enters the bowl game with a significantly reduced receiver group.
Kobe Prentice, Kendrick Law, Caleb Odom, and Emmanuel Henderson all opted to enter the transfer portal, leaving Alabama with a skeleton crew at the wide receiver position. This has forced the coaching staff to get creative in finding viable replacements. In particular, Jaylen Mbakwe, who spent most of the regular season playing cornerback, will now make the transition to wide receiver for the ReliaQuest Bowl and potentially beyond. This shift in position is a clear response to the lack of depth at the position and the need for fresh faces in Alabama’s passing game.
Despite the challenges posed by the reduced personnel, Mbakwe’s move to wide receiver could be a game-changer. The sophomore defensive back is known for his speed and athleticism, traits that could make him a dynamic playmaker on offense. Mbakwe is no stranger to the ball, having handled offensive duties at the high school level and also being utilized in special teams as a punt returner throughout the season. This versatility and experience with the ball in his hands are key factors that have Alabama feeling optimistic about his potential.
In a press conference leading up to the ReliaQuest Bowl, Kalen DeBoer expressed confidence in Mbakwe’s ability to make an immediate impact at wide receiver. “He’s certainly got the skill set, and we’re really excited about what he can do for us there at that position,” DeBoer remarked. “He’s got the speed. He’s had the ball in his hands all through high school, running the offense there at that level, and then we’ve used him in the punt return game and the return games. We’re just really comfortable with what he can bring to the table.”
Beyond Mbakwe, Alabama still has Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, Jaren Hamilton, and Rico Scott as the remaining scholarship receivers. Williams and Bernard have already been instrumental in Alabama’s offense this season and are expected to carry the majority of the workload in the bowl game. The question now is: who else will step up to complement these players and fill the void left by the departures?
The answer to this question will go a long way in determining whether Alabama can establish a reliable passing game against Michigan’s defense. While Williams and Bernard have proven themselves as capable contributors, the emergence of a third or even fourth option in the receiving corps will be crucial for DeBoer’s offensive game plan. Given the heavy reliance on passing in today’s college football landscape, the performance of Alabama’s wideouts will be a key factor in the outcome of the game.
2. Can Alabama capitalize on Michigan’s depleted roster?
While Alabama faces its own personnel challenges, Michigan also enters the ReliaQuest Bowl with its share of issues. The Wolverines have been impacted by NFL draft opt-outs and have experienced their own struggles with injuries throughout the season. One of the key areas where Michigan will be affected is on the defensive side of the ball, where they will be without several key players who have opted to forego the bowl game to prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.
These absences could open the door for Alabama’s offense to find more success than it might have otherwise. Given the challenges Alabama has faced in generating consistent offense throughout the season, particularly with the instability at the receiver position, this game could present an opportunity to capitalize on Michigan’s depleted roster. If Alabama can establish a strong passing game early, it could put pressure on Michigan’s defense and potentially exploit some weaknesses in the secondary.
However, even with Michigan missing key players, the Wolverines still possess a talented roster, and Alabama cannot afford to overlook their opponents. DeBoer and his coaching staff will need to carefully scout Michigan’s defense, identify weaknesses, and craft a game plan that maximizes Alabama’s strengths, especially given the uncertainty in the wide receiver room.
3. Will the defense step up and shut down Michigan’s offense?
As much as the focus has been on Alabama’s offensive struggles, the Crimson Tide defense has been a consistent strength throughout the season. With a solid defensive line, capable linebackers, and a secondary that has shown moments of brilliance, Alabama’s defense could play a crucial role in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Michigan’s offense, though potent, has been inconsistent at times this season, and Alabama’s defense will look to take advantage of any weaknesses. With several Michigan players opting out, including key offensive stars, the Wolverines could struggle to generate consistent offense. Alabama’s defense, led by experienced players like Dallas Turner and Jahmyr Gibbs, will need to step up and control the line of scrimmage while neutralizing Michigan’s remaining playmakers.
If Alabama’s defense can force turnovers and make key stops in critical situations, it will go a long way toward ensuring a victory for the Crimson Tide. Ultimately, the performance of Alabama’s defense will be one of the most important factors in this game, as they may need to carry the load if the offense struggles to find its rhythm.
Conclusion
As the 2024 Alabama football season comes to a close in the ReliaQuest Bowl, there are several unanswered questions about how the team will perform, particularly with the depleted wide receiver group. However, there are also plenty of reasons for optimism. The emergence of Jaylen Mbakwe at wide receiver, the potential for the Crimson Tide defense to step up, and the opportunity to exploit Michigan’s roster issues could all contribute to Alabama’s success.
With Kalen DeBoer making his postseason debut, the ReliaQuest Bowl is a critical game for Alabama, not only as a chance to extend their 10-win season streak but also to build momentum for the future. As the team heads into Raymond James Stadium, they will be looking to answer these questions and finish the season on a high note.
