The buzz: The Chips first job this offseason was finding a new coach after Jim McElwain announced his retirement. CMU landed former Army offensive coordinator Matt Drinkall, who oversaw a 12-2 Black Knights squad that led the nation in rushing, with 300.5 yards per game. CMU, meanwhile, finished tied for 60 th in rushing yards, with 166.1 per game.

The overall strength for Michigan is likely their defense, which ranks No. 23 nationally with a total of 20.5 PPG allowed to opponents, while also ranking No. 2 among teams from the Big Ten with only 92.6 rushing yards allowed per game. Michigan also ranks among the middle of the conference in total and passing yards per game.

On the last day of 2024, Michigan closes out the year with another win over the Crimson Tide, this time in a physical ReliaQuest Bowl.