The game snapped Alabama’s streak of 10-win seasons that dated back to the 2008 season. Kalen DeBoer’s first season in charge after Nick Saban’s retirement ended 9-4. After the game, Crimson Tide players said they continued to have full faith in the coaching staff.

TAMPA, Fla. — No one expected Michigan football to come into Raymond James Stadium and upset the vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide. However, the Wolverines took the Jan. 1 game against Alabama and returned the favor again on Dec. 31 to close out the bookended calendar year.

Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer had every reason to play backup QB Ty Simpson in a ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan. He explains why he never did.

Although DeBoer’s season wasn’t the worst first year for a Crimson Tide coach, it snapped a streak of 10-win seasons. Alabama had won at least 10 games for 16 straight seasons. The last time the Crimson Tide didn’t win 10 games was in 2007, Saban’s first year.

Alabama football went out with a whimper in the first season without Nick Saban manning the sidelines. Kalen DeBoer and the new-look Crimson Tide suffered a disappointing 19-13 defeat at the hands of Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl.