TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — These two teams are no stranger to each other.
Michigan (7-5) prevailed in an overtime win against the Crimson Tide (27-20 OT/F) and ended Alabama’s (9-3) season in January 2024 at the Rose Bowl.
“The most important game is the next one just like the next play is the most important play, so that’s where we are focused,” Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer said.
After an up-and-down first season at the helm, Kalen DeBoer looks to finish this year with 10 wins on the year.
“It would be big for the direction of this team, but also to help us just move forward,” said DeBoer.
As for the defending national champion, Michigan, the Wolverines finished their regular season on a high note, upsetting rival Ohio State despite being an underdog.
The Wolverines also want to end 2024 with a win.
“Everybody is taking the chance to get better and they’ve really invested the time that they have had to get better and I’m really excited about it. Young players that are going to get to play in a game the older guys that are playing in the game so they’re just ready to strap it on for Michigan,” said Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore.
Regardless, there’s no better way to end the season in paradise.
“Coming from Michigan the day before we left it was like 19 degrees so 66 and 70 feels really good to us,” said Moore.
“This is what these guys love to do and being able to just focus on football and then when they have the free time, focus on the relationships in the friendships that we have,” said DeBoer.
