No. 11 Alabama’s three turnovers in the first quarter cost them in their ReliaQuest Bowl defeat to Michigan.

The 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl proved to be a heartbreaking affair for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as a series of uncharacteristic mistakes, particularly in the first quarter, sealed their fate in a 34-24 loss to the Michigan Wolverines. The game, held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, was a stage for Alabama to bounce back after a rocky end to the regular season, but the team’s inability to protect the football from the outset proved to be their undoing. With three turnovers in the first 15 minutes of the game, Alabama’s chances of securing a victory were severely hampered, and Michigan capitalized on those mistakes to build an insurmountable lead.

The Stage is Set: A Battle of Two Powerful Programs

The matchup between No. 11 Alabama and Michigan was anticipated to be one of the most exciting bowl games of the season. Both teams had had strong seasons, despite facing significant challenges, and were eager to end their campaigns on a high note. Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, had finished the regular season with a 10-3 record, overcoming a number of injuries and inconsistent performances. Michigan, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, entered the game with an impressive 11-2 record and was hoping to continue their strong postseason form, having won the Big Ten Championship.

Alabama’s offense, which had been explosive at times during the season, came into the game with high expectations. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, was poised to lead the Crimson Tide to victory. However, the early stages of the game quickly turned into a nightmare for Milroe and his teammates.

A Nightmare Start: Three Turnovers in the First Quarter

From the very first drive of the game, it was evident that Alabama was not playing like a team with its usual poise. Michigan’s defense, known for its discipline and ability to force mistakes, quickly took advantage of the Crimson Tide’s sloppiness.

On Alabama’s opening possession, things appeared promising at first. Milroe connected with wide receiver Jermaine Burton for a few solid passes, moving the ball into Michigan territory. However, disaster struck when Milroe was sacked by Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith, who stripped the ball from him in the process. The Wolverines recovered the fumble, setting up excellent field position deep in Alabama territory.

It was a devastating mistake, as Alabama had been driving with the potential to score early, but instead, Michigan seized the momentum with a turnover. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and the Michigan offense, which had struggled to get going at times during the season, now had the perfect opportunity to take control of the game.

Michigan capitalized on the turnover, methodically marching down the field with a combination of McCarthy’s pinpoint passing and a solid ground game led by running back Blake Corum. After a few efficient plays, McCarthy found tight end Colston Loveland in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Wolverines up 7-0 just five minutes into the game.

The turnover not only handed Michigan the early lead but also shifted the psychological balance of the game in their favor. Alabama, already facing the pressure of a major bowl game, now had to regroup after giving up an early score. But things would get worse for the Crimson Tide before they could even think about a comeback.

On the very next drive, Alabama’s offense once again showed signs of promise. Milroe connected with his receivers and ran the ball effectively. But again, just when it seemed like they were on the verge of answering Michigan’s opening score, disaster struck. Running back Jase McClellan, who had been solid throughout the season, was hit hard by Michigan linebacker Junior Colson while attempting to break through the line of scrimmage. The ball popped loose, and Michigan’s defense pounced on it, recovering yet another fumble.

It was a critical mistake, as Alabama was moving the ball well and seemed poised to tie the game. Instead, another turnover handed Michigan the ball deep in Crimson Tide territory once again. The Wolverines were quick to exploit this opportunity, taking only a few plays to get into the red zone. This time, McCarthy connected with wide receiver Roman Wilson for a 15-yard touchdown, giving Michigan a 14-0 lead in just the first quarter.

By this point, it was clear that Alabama was playing far below its usual standards. The team’s inability to protect the ball had put them in a deep hole early, and the clock was quickly ticking down on their chances of a comeback. But it would get even worse before the quarter was over.

On Alabama’s third possession of the game, they once again managed to drive into Michigan territory, but just as it seemed like they were about to find a rhythm, Milroe made another costly error. Under pressure from the Michigan defense, Milroe attempted a pass over the middle, but it was deflected at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett, who had positioned himself perfectly to make the play. Barrett returned the interception deep into Alabama territory, putting the Wolverines in a prime position to score once again.

This interception, Alabama’s third turnover of the first quarter, was the final blow to the team’s confidence in the opening period. Despite moving the ball well at times, the Crimson Tide had been undone by mistakes at the most critical moments. With just a few minutes remaining in the quarter, Michigan took advantage of yet another Alabama mistake, as kicker Jake Moody hit a 40-yard field goal to extend the Wolverines’ lead to 17-0.

The Impact of the Early Turnovers

The three turnovers in the first quarter were more than just mistakes; they set the tone for the entire game. Alabama’s offense was clearly rattled, and Michigan’s defense seemed to feed off the early mistakes, becoming more aggressive and opportunistic as the game wore on. What had been an opportunity for Alabama to establish control of the game instead became a nightmare scenario that would require a near-miraculous comeback to reverse.

The turnovers also put immense pressure on Alabama’s defense. Despite playing admirably at times, they were forced to defend short fields and frequently had to defend against Michigan’s explosive offense. After allowing Michigan to jump out to a 17-0 lead, Alabama’s defense did manage to settle in somewhat, but the damage was already done. The offense’s inability to sustain drives and protect the ball put the defense in difficult positions throughout the game.

A Glimmer of Hope: Alabama Fights Back

Despite the early setbacks, Alabama was not about to go down without a fight. Early in the second quarter, Milroe and the offense managed to regroup. A well-timed drive culminated in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyler Harrell, which cut Michigan’s lead to 17-7. This momentary spark seemed to breathe life into the Crimson Tide, and the defense also stepped up, forcing a key turnover of their own when safety Malachi Moore intercepted McCarthy’s pass early in the second half.

With the score now 17-7, Alabama appeared to have some momentum. However, Michigan continued to prove resilient, and despite Alabama’s best efforts, the Wolverines’ offense kept finding ways to score. Michigan added a touchdown in the third quarter and another field goal, pushing their lead to 27-7 and eventually 34-14 by the start of the fourth quarter.

Alabama did manage to score another touchdown late in the game, but it was too little, too late. The turnovers from the first quarter had been too much to overcome, and despite a valiant effort from Milroe and the rest of the team, they fell short in their bid to pull off a dramatic comeback.

A Bitter End to an Up-and-Down Season

The loss in the ReliaQuest Bowl marked a disappointing end to a season filled with both promise and frustration for Alabama. The Crimson Tide had entered the season with high expectations but had been inconsistent throughout. Inconsistencies on offense, injuries, and defensive lapses had all contributed to the team’s struggles, and the mistakes made in the first quarter of the bowl game were a fitting microcosm of those issues.

Despite the defeat, Nick Saban and his coaching staff will likely take away valuable lessons from the game. The turnovers, especially in the first quarter, were uncharacteristic for a team known for its discipline and ball control. Saban will surely use this loss as a teaching moment for the future, focusing on the importance of taking care of the football and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.

For Michigan, the victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and discipline. The Wolverines, who had been methodical throughout the game, were able to capitalize on Alabama’s mistakes and take control early. Jim Harbaugh’s team proved once again that they could perform on the big stage, and the win served as a fitting conclusion to a successful season.

In the end, Alabama’s three turnovers in the first quarter were the difference in the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl. The Crimson Tide’s inability to protect the football early in the game handed Michigan an early advantage that they were able to build upon throughout the contest. Despite a strong effort in the second half, Alabama could not overcome the hole they had dug themselves into. For Alabama, it was a frustrating reminder that, in college football, turnovers can be the ultimate equalizer—and in this game, they were the Crimson Tide’s undoing.