Michigan’s stunning bowl win over Alabama has the world of college sports talking.

One of them was Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins, who beat Alabama after his 13-point performance on Tuesday.

Hawkins still proudly supports his former Illinois Fighting Illini and congratulated them after their Cheez-It Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina. Alabama became the fourth SEC team to lose to a Big Ten opponent this bowl season, prompting Hawkins to add even more fuel to the Big Ten-SEC rivalry.

Illinois football coach Bret Bielema joined Hawkins in highlighting the track record between the two conferences after the regular season.

Alabama was not selected to participate in the College Football Playoff, a decision that many questioned. Their loss to Michigan confirmed those thoughts, as their now four losses are the school’s most since Nick Saban’s freshman season in 2007. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe completed just 50 percent of his passes against Michigan, with his three turnovers coming in the first quarter 13 led Michigan points.

Even Alabama defensive back Paul Finebaum threw in the towel as the Crimson Tide earned a spot in the postseason.

“I led the Alabama parade to get them into the playoffs,” Finebaum continued Stand up! Wednesday morning. “I stood on every building, especially at this show. But on the first day of the new year I give up. I wave the white flag. Forget Alabama, I’m done, get me out.”

Jayden Armant is a graduate of Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to the Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.