Michigan knows what it feels like to be doubted. And while there may have been reasons to question the Wolverines late in the 2024 season, they rallied to end the year on a couple of impressive notes.

Entering The Game, Michigan was a 3-touchdown underdog vs. Ohio State. And then in the ReliaQuest Bowl, the Wolverines hit the field as a 16.5-point underdog vs. Alabama out of the mighty SEC.

All Michigan did was stun both teams with impressive wins. The Wolverines held Ryan Day and the Buckeyes to 10 points in a wild 13-10 upset inside Ohio Stadium, and that performance spilled over into the ReliaQuest Bowl.

And, if possible, the win on Tuesday against Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide was arguably more impressive. That’s because Sherrone Moore’s team played without the contingent of NFL-bound stars that includes Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Will Johnson, Colston Loveland and Kalel Mullings.

Even without that group that likely features the top cornerback and top defensive lineman to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Michigan absolutely stifled Alabama. The Wolverines finished with 5 sacks, 6 TFL and forced 3 turnovers from Alabama QB Jalen Milroe.

It ended in a 19-13 win for Michigan. And if you add it all up, the Wolverines end the year allowing fewer total points (23) than the combined total of the 2 spreads they faced against Ohio State and Alabama.

Let that be a lesson when 2025 rolls around. Doubt this Michigan squad at your own risk.