The Wolverines became the only program to beat Alabama twice in one year
In short: In a season defined by high-stakes upsets and historic defensive stands, the 2024 Michigan Wolverines achieved a feat never before seen in college football. By toppling Alabama twice in a single calendar year, they cemented a legacy of overcoming massive odds against the nation's elite.
The 2024 campaign was a study in resilience, characterized by significant swings in momentum. After an initial 4–1 start, the team faced a grueling stretch that saw them drop to 5–5. However, they regained form with a series of notable victories, including a 13–10 upset of No. 2 Ohio State. Entering that specific matchup as 20.5-point underdogs, Michigan secured their fourth consecutive win against the Buckeyes—the longest such streak since the 1988–1991 period.
A pivotal narrative of the season was the team's ability to perform under pressure. Since 1978, no other Michigan team has secured consecutive victories while being double-digit underdogs. This culminated in a 19–13 victory over No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. This win was not just a statistical anomaly; it was a historic milestone, as Michigan became the sole program in college football history to defeat Alabama twice in the same calendar year.
The season also featured individual milestones and defensive dominance. Defensive tackle Mason Graham earned unanimous first-team All-America honors, while placekicker Dominic Zvada was named Big Ten Kicker of the Year. On the offensive side, Kalel Mullings provided a consistent spark, notably rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns in a 27–24 win over USC. Despite some hurdles, like ending a 27-game Big Ten winning streak against Washington, the Wolverines finished with an 8–5 record and a tie for seventh in the conference.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2024 Michigan Wolverines football team
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