Looking at the history between Michigan and Alabama

If your football team has squared off against Alabama any time in recent memory, chances are it went poorly.

That was the case for Michigan the last time the two programs met in 2012, but the Wolverines have a chance to make up for that loss with a Citrus Bowl victory over the Crimson Tide in Wednesday’s game.

Alabama started the season as a consensus pick to reach the College Football Playoff, but slipped in the rankings after losing to LSU and unable to earn any wins over a ranked team. Alabama comes into the game ranked No. 13, while Michigan is one spot behind at No. 14.

The overall series between the two programs is tied 2-2, with Michigan defeating Alabama in the 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl and the 2000 Orange Bowl. The Crimson Tide beat the Wolverines in the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day in 1997 and clobbered U-M in an early season game in 2012.

Here’s a look at those four contests:

2012: Alabama 41, Michigan 14 in Arlington, Texas

This was a bloodbath from the beginning.

Alabama scored 21 first quarter points and got out to a 31-0 lead before Michigan even could get on the scoreboard. Denard Robinson threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Devin Gardner, but that was about the only highlight of the day for Michigan.

Alabama’s CJ Mosley had a pick-six, while quarterback AJ McCarron threw two touchdown passes. Running back TJ Yeldon ran for 111 yards and a touchdown.

2000: Michigan 35, Alabama 34 in OT in Miami, Florida (Orange Bowl)

This is a game many Michigan fans will remember fondly. It also featured a big game from a certain guy named Tom Brady.

Brady threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns to lead the way, connecting often with David Terrell, who had 150 yards and three scores. Anthony Thomas had 40 yards rushing and a touchdown.

It was the first overtime game in Michigan’s school history.

The game was tied at 28 heading into overtime and saw U-M score first, taking a 35-28 lead. Alabama scored on the ensuing possession, but missed the extra point, giving Michigan the win.

1997: Alabama 17, Michigan 14 in Tampa, Florida (Outback Bowl)

Michigan couldn’t pull out a win in Alabama coach Gene Stallings final game with the team.

With Michigan driving deep into Alabama territory late in the third quarter, Michigan quarterback Brian Griese tried to throw a pass over the blitzing defense when Dwayne Rudd intercepted the pass and returned it 88 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Alabama running back Shaun Alexander scored a 46-yard touchdown to ice the game, as the Tide held off Michigan’s late comeback attempt.

1988: Michigan 28, Alabama 24 in Tampa, Florida (Hall of Fame Bowl)

In the first meeting between the programs, Michigan got out to a 21-9 lead before finishing off the Crimson Tide. Alabama came all the way back to take a 24-21 lead, but Michigan’s Demetrius Brown threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to John Kolesar for the win with 48 seconds left.

Michigan’s Jamie Morris ran for a career high 234 yards and three touchdowns to lead U-M’s offense. Bobby Humphrey scored twice for Alabama.