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Michigan Made College Football History After Bowl Game Win Over Alabama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Dec 31, 2024 6:03 PM ET

On New Year's Eve, Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines upset Kalen DeBoer and the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.

Coming into the game, Alabama was a heavy 16.5-point favorite (ESPN BET) to beat Michigan. However, in what was certainly a defensive battle, the Crimson Tide couldn't get anything going on offense, with quarterback Jalen Milore recording three turnovers throughout. DeBoer's defense also played well, but it wasn't enough to make up for the poor offense.

Regardless, with the win, Michigan was able to make some college football history.

According to OptaSTATS on X, the Wolverines have become the first unranked team to win and hold an AP Top 15 team to 15 or fewer points since Arizona did so in 1992.

Michigan (@UMichFootball) is the first unranked team to win and hold an AP Top 15 team to 15 or fewer points in consecutive games since Arizona in October 1992. pic.twitter.com/pU2xdYoc7J
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) December 31, 2024

This accomplishment includes Michigan's final game of the regular season when it defeated the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 13-10 in Columbus, Ohio. The Wolverines were an even larger underdog in that game, with Ohio State favored by 20.5 points (ESPN BET).

Arizona was able to accomplish this in October of the 1992 season after defeating the No. 11 UCLA Bruins 23-3 and then the No. 8 Stanford Cardinal 21-6.

Michigan finished the season 8-5, including three straight wins to end the year. However, after making the College Football Playoff in the previous three seasons, including a national championship win in 2023, the 2024 Wolverines may be considered by many as a disappointment.

With a lot of holes to fill, 2025 five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood may be a big part of their potential success in the future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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