Michigan proved the College Football Playoff committee correct early in the ReliaQuest Bowl against CFP No. 11 Alabama.
The Wolverines pounced on the Tide, building a 16-0 lead after the first quarter.
After two field goals, senior quarterback Davis Warren completed an excellent back-shoulder throw to sophomore wide receiver Fredrick Moore to give Michigan a 13-0 lead.
The Wolverines tacked on another three points following a fumble by junior Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe to extend their lead to 16.
Alabama looked ill-prepared for the start of the game, so it’s fair to wonder how much it would have struggled in an actual road environment during the CFP First Round.
After the first quarter, Michigan outgained Alabama by 45 yards, which is particularly impressive considering the Wolverines have only gained 43.
Alabama (9-3) has 11 carries for minus-15 yards, and Milroe is 3-of-4 for 13 yards and an interception.
Several SEC apologists ridiculed Indiana (11-2) and SMU (11-3) for sustaining double-digit losses to Notre Dame (12-1) and Penn State (12-2), respectively, at the start of the expanded 12-team playoff.
At least the Hoosiers and Mustangs were outclassed by two of the country’s best teams.
Meanwhile, Alabama fell behind early against Michigan (7-5), which suffered a precipitous drop this season after winning last year’s national championship.
Based on its first-quarter performance, the Tide didn’t belong in the CFP, and they barely belonged in the ReliaQuest Bowl.