ESPN Makes Early Citrus Bowl Prediction Between Alabama, Michigan

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg made an early prediction on the Jan. 1st Citrus Bowl between Michigan and Alabama:

This is one of the tougher quick-picks, as we don’t know which top-level Alabama players will sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. The Tide crushed Michigan State 49-7 in their last Citrus Bowl (then Capital One Bowl) appearance, but they also have endured motivation lapses when left out of the national title race. Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis sees his former Crimson Tide wide receivers, and Wolverines quarterback Shea Patterson faces Alabama for the first time since 2017. I think Alabama shows up ticked off, and Jim Harbaugh’s bowl blues continue.

Prediction: Alabama 44, Michigan 31