5 Wolverines to Know Ahead of Alabama Vs. Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl

On By Littum

Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) talks to teammates before making a snap against Oregon in the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) talks to teammates before making a snap against Oregon in the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

For what is the second time this season Alabama Crimson Tide faces a Big Ten Conference opponent in the coming days when the program meets them Michigan Wolverines in Tampa, Florida for the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Yes, after a dominating road win over Wisconsin Badgers earlier this season, Alabama will play their second Big Ten team during the 2024 campaign when they face Michigan in the coming days. This will also be the second season in a row that Crimson Tide and the Wolverines have met in bowl games, meeting last season in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Rose Bowl.

A Michigan team that went on to win the national championship, the Wolverines this season have taken a step back, however, finishing the regular season unranked with a 7-5 overall record, as well as a 5-4 in the Big Ten- game. Even so, make no mistake, the Wolverines have talent across the roster, coming off a regular season finale in which they upset the rival Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus.

So before the New Year’s Eve showdown in Tampa, let’s take a look at five Wolverines to know ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl game against Alabama.

Kalel Mullings, Running Back

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) runs against USC in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) runs against USC in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) runs against USC in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

2024 Stats: 185 rushes, 948 yards, 12 TD, 6 receptions, 35 yards, 3 kick returns, 74 yards

The Wolverines have two running backs making significant impacts in 2024, the first of which is graduate student Kalel Mullings. Michigan’s leading rusher, Mullings, is in the midst of a career year that includes 185 rushes for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also catching six passes for 35 yards, as well as returning three kickoffs for 74 yards.

Ernest Hausmann, linebacker

Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) celebrates a play against Michigan State in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) celebrates a play against Michigan State in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.

Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) celebrates a play against Michigan State in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.

2024 Stats: 82 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PD

Michigan’s leading tackler this season, junior linebacker Ernest Hausmann is undoubtedly the name to know for the Wolverines defense entering this game. The former Nebraska Cornhuskers transfer is enjoying a career year with the Wolverines, recording a team-high 82 tackles with seven TFL, two sacks, an interception and a PD.

Jaishawn Barham, linebacker

Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) jumps in front of Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) jumps in front of Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.

Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) jumps in front of Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.

2024 Stats: 65 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PD

The Wolverines also have another linebacker that Alabama fans need to know in Jaishawn Barham, a junior as well. Barham, a transfer from the Maryland Terrapins, is Michigan’s second-leading tackler at 65 for the season while also recording four TFL, one sack and two PD in what is one of the best years of his collegiate career thus far.

Josiah Stewart, Edge Rusher

Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrates a tackle against USC in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrates a tackle against USC in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrates a tackle against USC in the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

2024 Stats: 33 tackles, 13 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 2 FF

Michigan’s most prolific pass rusher this season has been senior Josaiah Stewart, who is an edge rusher. Stewart currently leads the Wolverines with 13 TFL and 8.5 sacks on the year, while also amassing 33 total tackles.

Davis Warren, Quarterback

Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) warms up before the game between Ohio State and Michigan at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) warms up before the game between Ohio State and Michigan at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) warms up before the game between Ohio State and Michigan at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

2024 Stats: 63.5 CMP%, 1,126 passing yards, 6:9 TD:INT ratio, 15 rushes, -8 yards

Finally, the quarterback position has been a struggle at times for Michigan this season, with senior Davis Warren the name that has seen the most action for the Wolverines in 2024. The senior likely isn’t a threat to run the ball and has struggled at. times this season with turnovers, completing 63.5% of his passes with nine interceptions compared to just six touchdowns.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 5 Wolverines to Know Ahead of Alabama Vs. Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl