Alabama to Face Michigan in ReliaQuest Bowl

The Alabama Crimson Tide, ranked No. 11 with a 9-3 record, has been left out of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, losing the at-large spot to SMU after a contentious decision by the committee. Consequently, Alabama will play the Michigan Wolverines in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, marking a rematch of last year's Rose Bowl semifinal, which Michigan won 27-20 in overtime. Michigan, finishing their season at 7-5, recently upset Ohio State, securing a positive end to a disappointing season. Alabama's coach Kalen DeBoer aims to secure a 10-win season for the Tide, which hasn't fallen below that mark since 2007. The ReliaQuest Bowl will kick off at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.