Michigan’s win at Ohio State brings with it a bigger reward for bowl season – a matchup against an SEC team in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa. The Wolverines’ opponent is expected to be announced soon, with Ole Miss and Alabama already mentioned.

Michigan finished the season 7-5 with wins over rivals Michigan State and OSU and saved the best for last – a 13-10 win in Columbus. Just making a bowl game wasn’t the goal this year, it was the head coach’s goal Sherrone Moore said weeks ago it was crucial to the development of the program and the younger players.

“I think it’s huge,” he said. “It’s great for the program to obviously play another game and get another chance to play with your team. But building for the future…getting more training – it’s like another spring ball for the young guys. It’s more football for the guys who are getting better at football, so it’s great for us and great for the program.”

There are several players who could benefit from another game, the Michigan coach continued.

“Guys like (Edge) Dom Nichols start with him up front because he just shows flashes here and there and he played. It would be great for him,” Moore said. “(Security) Mason Curtis was just a tackling machine out there. He will be a star. (cornerback) Jo’Ziah Edmond is another guy on defense, and I think (linebacker) Cole Sullivan.

“Offensively, I talked about (tackle). Andrew Spraguee, to see him blossom and see what he has done. (Recipient) Channing Goodwin is a different type. Then the backs, Jordan Marshall And Micah Ka’apana. We’ll see a little bit more of these guys. Last week or the last game you saw Jordan more often as a kick returner, but Micah Ka’apanahe has dynamic speed.”

Of course, Michigan will most likely have some seniors opting out. We’ll hear more about this and from Moore about the match in the coming hours.