After a somewhat sluggish first half in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl, Alabama dominated both sides of the ball in the second half to easily defeat the Michigan Wolverines by a score of 35-16.
The win gave the Crimson Tide an 11-win season for a record-setting ninth consecutive year. Michigan finished the season 9-4.
Junior wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was named Citrus Bowl MVP after amassing a career-high 204 receiving yards on just six catches. Jeudy and sophomore QB Mac Jones connected on Alabama’s first offensive play from scrimmage for an 85-yard touchdown.
Jones finished his fourth start of the season by going 16-for-25 for 327 yards and three touchdowns.
Najee Harris led the way on the ground with 24 of Alabama’s 30 rushes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. More than half of the yardage (69) came in the fourth quarter, as Alabama largely kept the ball on the ground and showed signs of the physical dominance not often seen in the 2019 season. Harris finished the season with 1,262 yards rushing. He and Jeudy are among the juniors expected to leave early for the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Alabama defense allowed 286 total yards and 16 points in the first half, but stiffened in the second half holding the Wolverines to 109 yards and blanking them on the scoreboard.
The defense was led by linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Xavier McKinnery who had 10 tackles each. Freshman linebacker Shane lee led the solo tackle category with seven and had nine overall. Defensive backs Shyheim Carter and Josh job each had an interception in the second half.
The 2019 season was a disappointing one for the Alabama team and fans. That is indicative of the standard set by Nick Saban during his tenure in Tuscaloosa. The expectations include an SEC Championship, a trip to the College Football Playoffs, and ultimately a National Championship. Those are targets not easily hit, but under Nick Saban Alabama has scored bullseyes with amazing regularity.
Now the attention turns to Tua Tagovailoa who is expected to annouce on Monday whether he will retun to Alabama in 2020 or declare for the NFL Draft.