Alabama lost to Michigan 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday, and one in-state program relished it -- the South Alabama Jaguars.
The Crimson Tide had three turnovers, all at the hands of quarterback Jalen Milroe with two fumbles and an interception in the first quarter. The Wolverines scored after each turnover to jump out to a 16-0 lead.
Alabama cut the deficit to within one possession to close the first half. But the Crimson Tide was scoreless in the second half until 4:38 remained in the game, allowing Michigan to win its third straight bowl game.
The Crimson Tide finished 9-4 this season, racking up their most losses in any season since 2007 when they lost six in Nick Saban's first season as head coach, according to ESPN Research. The defeat also prompted a troll from the Jaguars.
South Alabama beat Western Michigan 30-23 in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl on Dec. 14. The Jaguars boasted about their victory and poked fun at the Crimson Tide's season-ending loss with a fictitious newspaper graphic touting the headline: "Only team in Alabama to win a bowl game this season."
Ending 2024 on top 😎 pic.twitter.com/quFxVypcre
— South Alabama Football 🏈 (@SouthAlabamaFB) December 31, 2024
Of the eight Division I programs in Alabama, only three -- Alabama, South Alabama and Jacksonville State -- participated in a bowl game this season. Jacksonville State lost 30-27 to Ohio in the Cure Bowl.
South Alabama defeated Western Michigan behind 271 passing yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Bishop Davenport. It was South Alabama's second straight bowl win and the first two in its history.
The Crimson Tide are not scheduled to face the Jaguars next season.