The ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) has released its updated prediction for the highly anticipated ReliaQuest Bowl showdown between Alabama and Michigan. According to FPI, the Crimson Tide are strong favorites, with an 80.8% chance to win outright.

This game is a rematch of last year’s Rose Bowl, which Michigan won on its way to a historic 15-0 season. That victory also marked the end of Nick Saban’s legendary coaching career. The rematch takes place during Kalen DeBoer’s debut season as Alabama’s head coach. Under DeBoer, the Crimson Tide finished the regular season 9-3, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff. They were the first team left out of the 12-team field, edged out by SMU, which went 11-2 before falling to Penn State in the Playoff last weekend.

Michigan’s Rollercoaster Season

The Wolverines, who began the season as defending champions, struggled to maintain their dominance under new head coach Sherrone Moore. Michigan posted a 7-5 record but ended the year on a high note with a victory over Ohio State in Columbus, their fourth consecutive win against the Buckeyes.

A Storied Rivalry

The ReliaQuest Bowl marks the seventh meeting between these powerhouse programs, with the all-time series tied at 3-3. Alabama is a 12-point favorite, according to the latest odds from DraftKings.

Kickoff for this highly anticipated clash is set for 12 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve, as fans eagerly await another chapter in this storied rivalry.