Alabama went into the ReliaQuest Bowl as 16.5-point favorites over Michigan on Tuesday. But three early turnovers proved to be too big for the Crimson Tide as t

TAMPA, Fla. — No one, and we mean no one, thought that Michigan football stood much of a chance in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama. The Crimson Tide were hoping for an invitation into the College Football Playoff, and were also looking for revenge against the Wolverines after the 30-24 win in the Rose Bowl a calendar year ago.

Michigan’s offense didn’t have any drives of more than 50 yards and finished with a ReliaQuest Bowl-low 190 yards. Playing without its top two running backs, the Wolverines received a boost from true freshman Jordan Marshall, who made his first start and rushed for 100 yards on 23 carries.